President's Emerging Global Scholars Cohort

The President’s Emerging Global Scholars (PEGS) cohort brought together students from across Kennesaw State University who shared a passion for service and a vision for global impact. Open to students of all majors, PEGS offered an interdisciplinary academic experience that combined a dedicated minor with unique coursework and co-curricular opportunities designed to prepare students to engage with an increasingly global world.

Through the PEGS community, students expanded their perspectives, developed their skills, and built connections that extended beyond the classroom.

 

The PEGS Minor

Program Description

The President’s Emerging Global Scholars minor includes Honors courses related to community engagement, global competence, leadership, and professional development. 

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Through the PEGS program, students developed the ability to:

  1. Apply relevant knowledge to action that will make a positive impact in their community. 
  2. Implement intercultural competencies in new international environments. 
  3. Create their own ethical framework. 
  4. Identify leadership theories and develop their own leadership philosophy. 
  5. Practice strategies for working effectively in teams. 
  6. Apply interdisciplinary thinking to important issues and problems

Program Course Requirements

  • HON 3600: Introduction to Community, Service, and Leadership
  • HON 3640: Introduction to Civic Engagement
  • HON 3301: Honors Interdisciplinary Seminar
  • HON 3620: Issues in the Global South
  • HON 3660: The Global North and Global Competency

 

The PEGS Experience

 

Student Testimonials

"The PEGS program changed my life! I am a better leader, global scholar, and person because of the opportunities PEGS provided me. I was fortunate enough to travel the world and learn global leadership from Kennesaw State's finest professors. These skills will go with me both in life and my career."

 

Julia Banks

President's Emerging Global Scholar

"Being part of the President's Emerging Global Scholars program has helped me grow personally and professionally. Through my first study abroad trip to Costa Rica, I experienced international travel for the first time, which opened my eyes to new cultures, civic engagement and perspectives beyond my own. PEGS has encouraged me to embrace new opportunities and become more intentional about the impact I want to make in my community."

Genevieve Ahey

President's Emerging Global Scholar

"How many students are able to explore multiple cultures through both classroom studies and education abroad while earning their undergraduate degree? My experience in PEGS helped me to better understand multiple cultures, diverse histories, traditions, values, and ways of life. I have developed a better understanding of global topics and the various implications our choices have on the communities we live in, as well as the world around us."

Hunter Smith

President's Emerging Global Scholar

PEGS in the News

Read stories about our President's Emerging Global Scholar students!

Hear from PEGS Alumni

"The friendships I gained from this cohort was the reason I was able to make it through my years of college. Relationships are the most important thing to me in this life, and this aspect of PEGS is the main reason I stayed at KSU after contemplating transferring after my first semester. To say the least, the trip to Costa Rica forever changed my life and helped me endured all three years of my college career with confidence and companions."

Cheryl Nguyen

Class of 2026

"This program and the study abroad experiences, with the help of some scholarships, give me a once-in-a-lifetime experience to immerse in other cultures at a price much more affordable than going on my own. The Honors College does so much for its students, and I've never seen another program as robust and beneficial as this one."

Samuel Castellano

Class of 2024

"I was a part of the PEGS cohort during my time at KSU and it was an incredible experience. The program really helped us discover ourselves and develop our strengths to pursue our goals and interests. The program and advisors pushed me to challenge myself and opened my mind to new perspectives and ideas, through both local opportunities like classes, guest speakers and workshops, and through global experiences such as our study abroad trips to Brazil and Italy."

Lisa Smith

Class of 2019