Presidential Fellows Cohort

Begin your KSU journey as a Presidential Fellow. This exclusive, four-year experience empowers future leaders to challenge themselves, grow with purpose, and make a meaningful impact. Through hands-on learning and mentorship, you'll build self-awareness, strengthen your leadership skills, and put your values into action.

 

Welcome from the Dean

 

Dean Karen Kornweibel stands and smiles in the Kennesaw Honors Lounge in front of a window.

 

Welcome to the Presidential Fellows Cohort, Kennesaw State University's premier scholarship and leadership experience. Ten Fellows will be selected each year to receive KSU's most prestigious scholarship while embarking on a transformative four-year journey of leadership development, executive shadowing, global learning, and personalized mentorship.

As Dean of the Keeping Sights Upward Journey Honors College, I have the privilege of serving as the mentor for the Presidential Fellows. Together, we will explore what it means to lead with purpose, integrity, and vision while preparing for opportunities that can shape your future, from competitive external opportunities to influential careers and meaningful service. 

I invite you to explore this extraordinary opportunity and imagine where the Presidential Fellows Cohort could take you.

Dr. Karen Kornweibel

Dean, KSU Journey Honors College

 

Launch Your Leadership Journey from Atlanta

Located in metro Atlanta, KSU connects you to one of the nation's most dynamic business hubs. With 15 Fortune 500 headquarters, more than 1,200 regional and global headquarters operations, and 2,600+ international companies, you'll learn where innovation happens and where your leadership can make a difference.

  • 15

    Fortune 500 Headquarters

  • 1,200+

    Regional & Global Headquarters

  • 2,600+

    International Companies

Person wearing a dark suit and gold tie standing indoors in front of bookshelves and a fireplace.

 

Program Benefits

As a Presidential Fellow, you will gain the resources, connections, and experiences to make the most of your four years at KSU.

 

  • Build your leadership skills through a curriculum focused on self-awareness, growth, and real-world application, including executive shadowing opportunities.
  • Receive a $10,000 scholarship each academic year for four years to support your KSU journey.
  • Connect with KSU leaders and academic deans through signature events designed to expand your network and perspective.
  • Expand your worldview through a study abroad experience in Montepulciano, Italy, designed exclusively for Presidential Fellows.
  • Enjoy a guaranteed bed in the Honors Living-Learning Village, where you’ll live alongside a community of motivated Honors students. 
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the KSU Journey Honors College including, priority registration, access to Honors lounges, Honors advising, and exclusive social events.
A classroom workshop is in progress with students seated around white tables arranged in a group setting. A speaker wearing a patterned blazer stands at the front of the room addressing participants, while another presenter stands to the side.

Study Abroad in Montepulciano, Italy

Collage of students during an educational travel experience in Italy, featuring a group photo on a historic stone balcony, a meal overlooking the countryside, and students standing in a historic town square.

 

Encounter the geography, history, art, and literature of the worlds which you have examined as you travel with your cohort to Montepulciano, Italy—Tuscany’s highest hilltop town. During this immersive experience, visit Renaissance cities such as Florence, Venice, and Rome alongside your classical colleagues. Enrich your exploration of literature within the medieval walls of KSU’s Fortezza, and experience authentic Italian life among ancient vineyards and olive groves.  


For more information, please visit the Education Abroad Website. 

How to Apply

The Presidential Fellows Cohort is a selective experience for high-achieving, incoming first-year students accepted into the KSU Journey Honors College by December 15, 2026.

Two female students smile and clap while listening to a lecture.

Eligibility

  • Be a Georgia resident eligible for the Zell Miller scholarship 
  • Have a 3.7+ Hope GPA 
  • Have a minimum 1200 SAT score or ACT equivalent
  • Enter KSU as a traditional first-year student with a fall 2027 start date 
  • Be eligible to complete the Presidential Fellows minor 

Required Application Components

1. Short-answer responses

    1. Please write five—and only five—sentences describing yourself, your life, and your experiences that, taken together, form an accurate view of who you are. Be creative! Do not just repeat information you have already submitted with your KSU application materials. Think of these sentences as showing us aspects of who you are, including what you do, what you care about, how you want to show up in the world, and/or what impact you hope to have.
    2. Describe one specific example of your leadership. (250 words max)
    3. Describe an intellectual interest or question that excites you. (250 words max)

2. A current Resume that highlights academic accomplishments, extracurricular involvement, leadership roles, service activities, employment, research, creative work, awards, and other significant experiences. 

3. Contact information for 2 recommendation letters

    1. Finalists invited for interview day will need 2 recommendations:
      1. Academic Recommendation Letter from a faculty member or other academic mentor who can speak to your intellectual curiosity, academic achievement, critical thinking, and potential for advanced scholarly work.
      2. Leadership Recommendation Letter from an individual who can speak to your leadership experiences and potential. This recommender may be a faculty member, supervisor, advisor, coach, employer, or community leader.
         

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION PROCESS FOR FINALISTS
An in-person interview will be required for invited finalists during KSU’s Honors Interview Day in February 2027. Invitations will be sent to students via their KSU email.

Student smiles while wearing a sweater and blue and red striped tie.
President Schwaig speaks to two students in a classroom setting.

Important Deadlines

  • For consideration, you must be accepted to both Kennesaw State University and KSU Journey Honors College on or before December 15, 2026.
  • Complete your application by the  application deadline of December 15, 2026. 
  • Students accepted to Kennesaw State University and KSU Journey Honors College after December 15 will not be considered for the Presidential Fellows Cohort.

Application

The Presidential Fellows Cohort application will open on September 21, 2026.

Application opening soon

 

For questions about the Presidential Fellows Cohort, email presidentialfellows@kennesaw.edu.