Our graduate events calendar is designed to support student success by offering a range of opportunities in key areas. Graduate students can participate in events that promote health and wellbeing, enhance career planning skills, advance research capabilities, and foster academic preparedness. Each event is thoughtfully tailored to help students thrive in both their academic and professional pursuits. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have about upcoming events at the Graduate College.
April 2026
Drop in for an evening of camaraderie and conversation at the Graduate College's Wine and Cheese Reception. It’s a delightful opportunity to unwind, connect with fellow students, and savor a selection of wines and cheeses. Let’s raise a glass to celebrate our academic journey together. See you there! (Graduate students only. No one under the age of 21 will be admitted.)
Wednesday, April 1
7-9 p.m.
Convocation Center
Superior Plumbing Hospitality Suite (Room CC3026)
Bagwell College of Education Announces the Disserttion Defense of:
Diona Brown
Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
April 2, 2026, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Chair: Dr. Sheryl J. Croft
Committee Members: Dr. Keneshia Harrington and Dr. Albert Jimenez
Come cheer on the brilliant competitors in this year's Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition!
π
Date: April 2, 2026
π Time: 5:30 p.m.
π’ Location: Prillaman Health Sciences Building, Room HS1105
Exciting news: The audience also gets to vote for their favorite contestant!
Following the competition, join us for a reception in the Indoor Plaza to enjoy gourmet hors d’oeuvres and await the announcement of winners!
The Three Minute Thesis is a research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland. The exercise develops academic, presentation, and research communication skills and supports the development of students' capacities to effectively explain their research in a language appropriate to an intelligent but non-specialist audience. Master's and Doctoral students have three minutes to present a compelling oration on their thesis or dissertation topic and its significance.
Register to attend as an audience member by filling out the 3MT Competition and Reception form.
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Interested in competing?
Visit Graduate College Website for 3MT Competition information.
Registration deadline to compete in the 2026 3MT Competition: March 23, 2026, at 5 p.m.
Bagwell College of Education Announces the Dissertation Defense of:
Cheryl Bentham
Ed.D. in Teacher Leadership
April 3, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.
Chair: Albert M. Jimenez
Committee Members: Chinasa Elue and Nicholas Clegorne
Take a break from your studies and join us for an epic Game Night!
We’ll be serving a casual dinner featuring deli sandwiches, pasta salad, and desserts. While you eat, enjoy a variety of board games, card games, and more. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just looking for some fun, there's something for everyone!
Register for Game Night today so you don't miss out on this fun opportunity to unwind and have a blast. We can't wait to see you there!
Bagwell College of Education announces the Dissertation Defense of
Cherilyn Nunn
Ed.D. in Secondary and Middle Grades Education, Middle Grades Science
Date: April 7, 2026 at 10:45 a.m.
Location: Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 250 053 087 200 96
Passcode: JR9d4CY6
Committee:
Chair: Dr. Rachel E. Gaines
Committee Members: Dr. Iván Jorrín Abellan and Dr. Preethi Titu
Coles College of Business announces the Dissertation Defense of:
Mr. Lee Shinaberger
Ph.D. in Business Administration
April 8, 2026, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
KSU Center, Room 461
Dissertation Committee:
Chair: Dr. Andrew Trotman
Second: Dr. Divesh Sharma
Reader: Dr. Velina Popova
Join fellow graduate students for an evening of casual networking and outdoor games. Meet new people, build community, and enjoy a relaxed spring atmosphere at The Rock on the Marietta campus.
Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026
Time: 4–6 p.m.
Location: Slap Rock, Marietta Campus (MFO5)
Event hosted by the Graduate Student Association (GSA): graduatestudentassoc@kennesaw.edu
Register for this workshop with Dr. Kristina Clement and learn the tips and tools you need as a graduate student to navigate your library research successfully.
Sign up today by using the Tips and Tools registration link. Logon information will be given after registration.
Connect with alumni from the Computer Science, MBA, MPA, and Integrated Global Communications programs in a brunch-style networking setting. This event will feature informal conversations, mentoring-focused discussions, and opportunities to explore career paths and professional experiences across programs.
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Carmichael Student Center – 333 The Loft Lounge, Kennesaw Campus
Event is hosted by the Graduate Student Association (GSA): graduatestudentassoc@kennesaw.edu
KSU Libraries presents this workshop where you will learn the basics of scholarly publishing and research at the graduate level.
Sign up today by filling out the Publishing & Research workshop form.
Bagwell College of Education Announces the Dissertation Defense of:
Alise Eve Cremonini
Ed.D. in Secondary and Middle Grades Education
April 21, 2026, 2 p.m.
Meeting ID: 247 165 611 808 30
Passcode: gD6FA9fh
Chairs: Dr. Mei-Lin Chang and Dr. Rachel Gaines
Committee Members: Dr. Mei Lin Chang, Dr. Rachel Gaines and Dr. Johari Harris
Don't miss this online workshop with Ryan Behrens from Delta Community Credit Union for information on how to repay your student loan debt.
Date: April 22, 2026
Time: 1-2 p.m.
Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 247 118 764 468 80
Passcode: Pq7TM6Wo
Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology announces the dissertation defense of:
Sulav Bastola
Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering
April 22, 2026 • 3:30 p.m.
Engineering Technology Center, Room Q-107
Chair: Dr. Coskun Tekes (KSU)
Committee Members:
The Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences announces a dissertation defense of:
Rabia Mujahid
Ph.D. International Conflict Management
April 23,2026 • 1 p.m.
Peace House
Chair: Dr. Maia Hallward
Committee Members: Dr. Charity Butcher and Dr. Tavishi Bhasin
Coles College of Business announces a dissertation defense of:
Davis Brown
Ph.D. in Business Administration
April 23, 2026, 2-4 p.m.
KSU Center, Room 416
Dissertation Committee:
Coles College of Business announces a dissertation defense of:
Matthew Maylath
Ph.D. in Business Administration
April 27, 2026, 9-11 a.m.
KSU Center, Room 416
Dissertation Committee:
The College of Computing and Software Engineering announces a Dissertation Defense of:
Manh Nguyen
Ph.D. in Computer Science
April 28, 2026, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
J Building, Marietta Campus, Room J-3217
and
Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 224 605 154 174 6
Passcode: NV3n747w
Chair: Liang Zhao
Committee Members:
Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology announces the dissertation defense of:
Gershom Richards
Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering
April 28, 2026 • 4 p.m.
W. Clair Harris Textile Center (M) • Room M-135
Chair: Dr. David Guerra-Zubiaga (KSU)
Committee Members:
Coles College of Business announces a dissertation defense:
Mac Cunningham-Sereque
Ph.D. Business Administration
April 30, 2026, 12 p.m.
KSU Center, Room 461
Chair: Dr. Aaron French
Committee Members: Dr. Amy Woszczynski, Dr. Andrew Green, and Dr. Saurabh Gupta
May 2026
Coles College of Business announces a Dissertation Defense:
Vannesia Darby
Ph.D. Business Administration
May 1, 2026, 11 a.m.
KSU Center, Room 461
Chair: Dr. Hyunju Shin
Committee members: Dr. Patrick Fennell and Dr. Jacqueline Eastman
This event is intended for graduate students engaged in research or interested in research across disciplines. Activities will include informal networking, optional conversation prompts, and a brief feedback activity to gather input on future graduate research programming. The event will follow a relaxed, drop-in format to encourage connection and discussion among attendees. Light snacks, coffee, and tea will be provided.
Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Academic Learning Center (ALC) 5104 – Classroom
This event is hosted by the Graduate Research Community and the Graduate Student Association: graduatestudentassoc@kennesaw.edu
This event is intended for graduate students engaged in research or interested in research across disciplines.
Activities will include informal networking, optional conversation prompts, and a brief feedback activity to gather input on future graduate research programming. The event will follow a relaxed, drop-in format to encourage connection and discussion among attendees. Light snacks, coffee, and tea will be provided.
Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Academic Learning Center (ALC) 5104 – Classroom
Visit Owl Life to RSVP. This event is hosted by the Graduate Research Community and the Graduate Student Association: graduatestudentassoc@kennesaw.edu
Coles College of Business announces a dissertation defense:
Jenna-Lyn Roman
Ph.D. Business Administration
May 4, 2026, 11 a.m.
KSU Center, Room 461
Chair: Dr. Graham Lowman
Committee Members: Dr. Joshua Palmer and Dr. Katina Sawyer
Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology announces the dissertation defense of:
Sarala Lasanthi Gunathilaka Udaha Wadiya Ralle
Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering
May 5, 2026 • 1 p.m.
Civil and Environmental Engineering Building, Room L-120
Chair: Dr. Sunanda Dissanayake (KSU)
Committee Members:
Final Exam SnackTime ππ
Take a well-deserved break from studying and recharge with some tasty snacks!
When: May 5, 6 & 7
Time: 5–6 PM
Where: Academic Learning Center, Room 3550
Come grab a bite, relax, and fuel up for finals — you’ve got this!
(Also on Marietta campus in Norton Hall, 2nd Floor)
Final Exam SnackTime ππ
Take a well-deserved break from studying and recharge with some tasty snacks!
When: May 5, 6, and 7
Time: 5:00–6:00 PM
Where: Norton Hall, 2nd Floor (Marietta campus)
Come grab a bite, relax, and fuel up for finals — you’ve got this!
(Also on Kennesaw campus in the Academic Learning Center, Room 3550)
The Ph.D. in Business Administration Program is pleased to announce the final defense for the following candidate.
Mr. Tony Ballard
Ph.D. in Business Administration
May 6, 2026
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
KSU Center, Room 461
Dissertation Committee:
Chair: Dr. Joshua Palmer
Second: Dr. Graham Lowman
Reader: Dr. Charn McAllister
Final Exam SnackTime ππ
Take a well-deserved break from studying and recharge with some tasty snacks!
When: May 5, 6 & 7
Time: 5–6 PM
Where: Academic Learning Center, Room 3550
Come grab a bite, relax, and fuel up for finals — you’ve got this!
(Also on Marietta campus in Norton Hall, 2nd Floor)
Final Exam SnackTime ππ
Take a well-deserved break from studying and recharge with some tasty snacks!
When: May 5, 6, and 7
Time: 5:00–6:00 PM
Where: Norton Hall, 2nd Floor (Marietta campus)
Come grab a bite, relax, and fuel up for finals — you’ve got this!
(Also on Kennesaw campus in the Academic Learning Center, Room 3550)
Final Exam SnackTime ππ
Take a well-deserved break from studying and recharge with some tasty snacks!
When: May 5, 6 & 7
Time: 5–6 PM
Where: Academic Learning Center, Room 3550
Come grab a bite, relax, and fuel up for finals — you’ve got this!
(Also on Marietta campus in Norton Hall, 2nd Floor)
Final Exam SnackTime ππ
Take a well-deserved break from studying and recharge with some tasty snacks!
When: May 5, 6, and 7
Time: 5:00–6:00 PM
Where: Norton Hall, 2nd Floor (Marietta campus)
Come grab a bite, relax, and fuel up for finals — you’ve got this!
(Also on Kennesaw campus in the Academic Learning Center, Room 3550)
Deadline for permission to walk in commencement (and graduate in the current semester)
May 8, 2026 at 5 p.m.
Deadline for permission to walk in commencement (and graduate in the current semester)
May 14, 2026, by 12 p.m. (noon)
Bagwell College of Education announces a dissertation defense of
Ashley M. Thomas
Ed.D. in Instructional Technology
May 19, 2026, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
On Campus* and on Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 288 538 316 825 34
Passcode: fK6vj9Dv
Dissertation Chair: Dr. Tiffany A. Roman
Committee Members: Dr. Dabae Lee and Dr. Rasheda Likely
*For campus location, please contact Bagwell College of Education
June 2026
July 2026
August 2026
September 2026
October 2026
November 2026
December 2026
January 2027
February 2027
March 2027