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Graduate Student Newsletter
Stay up to date with the latest news, achievements, events, and opportunities from the Graduate College and across Kennesaw State University. This monthly newsletter highlights graduate student accomplishments, important deadlines, upcoming workshops, and ways to stay connected and engaged throughout the academic year.
Monthly Message from the Graduate College
May 2026
The end of the spring semester is rapidly approaching, along with commencement. Whether you are graduating this term or continuing in your program, it’s a good time to reflect on what you have accomplished so far.
The obvious milestones come to mind, such as passing exams, completing courses, and finishing projects, theses, or dissertations. Those are the things most people associate with graduate education. But much of what you gain during this time is less visible.
Graduate study asks you to work through ambiguity, manage long-term projects with limited structure, and respond to feedback that is not always easy to hear. At different points, you may have questioned your research, your progress, or your direction. That is a normal part of the process.
These experiences are not side effects of graduate education; they are central to it. Over time, they build persistence, adaptability, critical thinking, and confidence in your ability to navigate complex problems. Along the way, you also develop relationships with faculty and peers that often extend well beyond your time in the program. I have known a few people from graduate school for over 20 years now.
The degree will open doors and help you qualify for opportunities. Just as important are the skills and habits you developed along the way, which will shape how you move forward and how you succeed once you get there.
Warmly,
Herman “Gene” Ray
Associate Dean for Graduate Student Success
