During the 2026–2027 academic year, the KSU campus and community will embark on a journey to discover the Kingdom of Thailand. Through education abroad opportunities and a wide range of dynamic on-campus programs, the Year of Thailand will showcase the nation's diverse heritage, contemporary achievements, rich culture, history, traditions, and global influence, offering meaningful opportunities to engage with the unique identity of this vibrant Southeast Asian country.
The Year of Thailand continues KSU's longstanding tradition of global engagement through
the annual Year of Country Study initiative, established in 1984. In collaboration
with international, national, and campus partners, the university will present performances,
lectures, film screenings, and special events throughout the year. Together, these
experiences are designed to inspire curiosity, foster meaningful cross-cultural connections,
and deepen understanding of Thailand and its people.
Together, we look forward to a year of discovery, dialogue, and shared experiences
that celebrate Thailand while fostering a meaningful celebration of global learning
and cultural exchange.
Below, see the programs and events that are being offered this year. Check back regularly
for new additions.
Many thanks to the faculty and staff, as well as the campus, community, and international
partners, who are bringing this global experience to Kennesaw State University.
Please follow us @ksu.yearof on Instagram to keep up with event details, including
updated times and locations of future Year Of programs, should unforeseen circumstances
require a change.
Snapshot: Kick off the Year of Thailand with an exciting introduction to the year's events
and a chance to sample a popular Thai beverage. Pick up exclusive Year of Thailand
stickers and merch, and discover what's in store throughout the year. You won't want
to miss it!
Hosted by: Global Education
WOW: Year of Thailand Pop-Up Tasting
Date: Friday, August 28
Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: NEW LOCATION: Atrium (J) Building (Marietta)
Snapshot: Be among the first to experience what's coming this year. Try a popular Thai drink,
score exclusive Year of Thailand stickers and merch, and get the inside scoop on the
events, experiences, and surprises ahead.
Hosted by: Global Education
CULTURE: Taste of Thailand in the KSU Dining Halls
Date: Thursday, September 10
Time: 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Location: Stingers (Marietta)
Snapshot: Enjoy a taste of Thailand when you stop by Stingers. We'll be set up with some free
merch and more information on Year of Thailand programs and events! (No extra swipes
needed.)
Hosted by: KSU Dining Services
CULTURE: Family Weekend Movie Night - Sip & Savor Thailand
Date: Friday, September 11
Time: 6:00-8:00 PM (Toy Story 5 movie starts at 8 PM)
Location: Campus Green (K)
Snapshot: The Year of Thailand shines at this Family Weekend event, where everyone can sample
a popular Thai drink, score exclusive Year of Thailand stickers and merch, and get
the inside scoop on the events, experiences, and surprises ahead. Stay for a showing
of Toy Story 5.
Hosted by: Parent & Family Programs
ARTS KSU Presents: TIDA featuring Mary Prescott
Dates: Friday-Sunday, September 11-13
Times: 8:00 PM (9/11 and 9/12); 3:00 PM (9/13)
Location: Stillwell Theatre (Kennesaw)
Snapshot: Mary Prescott is a Steinway artist of Thai-American descent. Blending music, movement, spoken word and film, Tida is a deeply personal interdisciplinary performance exploring intergenerational cultural identity through artist Mary Prescott’s maternal lineage. Through an intimate and visually evocative theatrical language, Prescott examines her mother’s undocumented Thai ancestry, her experiences as a Southeast Asian immigrant raising biracial children in the American Midwest, and the lasting impact of these histories across three generations of women. Prescott will share aspects of her heritage in her unique style.
Hosted by: KSU's Department of Theatre & Performance Studies, Bailey School of Music, and Geer
Family College of the Arts
CULTURE: Taste of Thailand in the KSU Dining Halls
Date: Thursday, September 17
Time: 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Location: The Commons (Kennesaw)
Snapshot: Enjoy a taste of Thailand when you stop by The Commons. We'll be set up with some
free merch and more information on Year of Thailand programs and events! (No extra
swipes needed.)
Hosted by: KSU Dining Services
ECONOMY & BUSINESS COLLEGE SPOTLIGHT: Thailand's Journey Out of Poverty
Date: Tuesday, September 22
Time: 9:35 - 10:30 AM
Location: Design Building 2, Room 112 (Marietta)
Snapshot: Join Dr. Benjamin Powell for Thailand's Journey Out of Poverty: Sweatshopsin the Global Economy, an insightful discussion exploring how participation in the global economy has shaped Thailand's economic transformation. Though sweatshops are much maligned in popular discussion, they play an important role in lifting people out of poverty. Find out how they have improved lives in Bangladesh, Thailand, and many other countries. Find out what actions activists and policymakers take that harm workers, as well as those that can help workers.
Hosted by: Dr. Timothy Mathews, Director of the Bagwell Center for the Study of Markets and Economic
Opportunity and Professor of Economics
ECONOMY & BUSINESS COLLEGE SPOTLIGHT: Economic Myths of Immigration
Date: Tuesday, September 22
Time: 11:10 AM - 12:05 PM
Location: Academic Building, Room 203 (Marietta)
Snapshot: Join Dr. Benjamin Powell for an engaging discussion on The Economic Myths of Immigration. Dr. Powell, Director of the Free Market Institute at Texas Tech University, will explore common misconceptions surrounding immigration and examine the economic impacts of migration. Do immigrants steal our jobs? Depress our wages? Drain our government finances? Erode the institutions responsible for our prosperity? Economic reasoning will help us answer each of these questions.
The lecture will include examples from Thailand, highlighting the country's unique
experiences and perspectives on immigration and economic development.
Hosted by: Dr. Timothy Mathews, Director of the Bagwell Center for the Study of Markets and Economic
Opportunity and Professor of Economics
CULTURE: Exotic Eats Thailand Edition
Date: Wednesday, September 23
Time: 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Location: The Rock Field (Marietta)
Snapshot: Take your taste buds on a trip to Thailand! Sample exotic Thai fruits, including the
famous Queen of Fruits and rambutan. Discover new tropical flavors from this vibrant
Southeast Asian nation and experience a delicious taste of Thai culture.
Pick up an exclusive Year of Thailand sticker, while supplies last!
Hosted by: Global Education
SPORTS: Badminton
Play: Wednesdays, September 2, 9, 16, and 23, 2026
Time: 7-9 PM (could be adjusted)
Champ Nights: Wednesdays, September 23 and 30, 2026
Location: RWC Basketball Court (Marietta)
Snapshot: Badminton is one of the most popular and successful sports in Thailand. In fact the
Ban Thong Yod Badminton School in Bangkok has produced a male and female world champion!
Come out to watch the sport played on campus - as your fellow Owls compete to win
KSU's Year of Thailand Lotus Cup Trophy!
Visit the Year of Thailand table on 9/23 and 9/30 to learn more about this year's
programming!
Hosted by: KSU's Department of University Recreation
CULTURE: Exotic Eats Thailand Edition
Date: Thursday, September 24
Time: 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Location: The Commons, Lower Patio (Kennesaw)
Snapshot: Take your taste buds on a trip to Thailand! Sample exotic Thai fruits, including the
famous Queen of Fruits and rambutan. Discover new tropical flavors from this vibrant
Southeast Asian nation and experience a delicious taste of Thai culture.
Pick up an exclusive Year of Thailand sticker, while supplies last!
Hosted by: Global Education
SPORTS:Let's Play Volleyball
Registration Open: October 1-22, 2026
Play: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, October 26-December 2, 2026
Champ Night: Wednesday, December 2, 2026 (Tentative)
Location: SRAC - 4 Court Gym (Kennesaw)
Snapshot: Thailand's women's national volleyball team is ranked 18th in the world, and draws
large crowds and a lot of support in the country. They have won multiple gold medals at the Asian and SEA championships. Follow them @thailandvolleyballassociation.
The men's team is making a name for themselves in the sport, as well! They have been described as
a team of "progress and possibility."
Watch the sport played on campus as your Owls compete to win KSU's Year of Thailand Lotus Cup Trophy!
Visit the Year of Thailand table at Champ Night to learn more about this year's programming
-- and join us to cheer on your favorite teams!
Hosted by: KSU's Department of University Recreation
SPORTS: Outdoor Soccer
Registration Open: October 1-22, 2026
Play: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, October 26-December 2, 2026
Champ Night: Thursday, December 3, 2026 (Tentative)
Location: The Perch (Near Kennesaw Campus)
Snapshot: Football (soccer) has been in Thailand since 1897. Thailand joined FIFA in 1925. The
international competition, called the King's Cup, was founded in Thailand in 1968
and has been hosted nearly every year since. In 2015 and 2019 their women's team qualified
for the FIFA Women's World Cup. See five events that shaped the history of the sport in Thailand.
Watch the sport played on campus as your Owls compete to win KSU's Year of Thailand Lotus Cup Trophy!
Visit the Year of Thailand table at Champ Night to learn more about this year's programming
-- and join us to cheer on your favorite teams!
Hosted by: KSU's Department of University Recreation
SURPRISE Celebration & Scavenger Hunt
Date: Friday, October 2
Time: 9 AM - 1 PM
Location: See @ksu.yearof and OwlTV for info!
SNAPSHOT: We'll be celebrating something Thailand is well-known for on this date on both campuses.
Watch for signage and details on October 1 and 2 @ksu.yearof
Hosted by: Global Education
ENGINEERING COLLEGE SPOTLIGHT: Tuk-Tuk Races
Date: BEING MOVIED DUE TO WEATHER - STAY TUNED!
Time: TBD
Location: Hornet Hub Building, Parking Lot (Marietta)
SNAPSHOT: Tuk-Tuk RC Races is a one-day, pop-culture-infused engineering experience celebrating Thailand's vibrant transportation culture. SPCEET student organizations will decorate mini tuk-tuk shells, attach them to RC cars, and race them on a track inspired by Bangkok's fast-paced city streets. Not a SPCEET student? Join us to cheer on your favorite tuk-tuk driver and win fun Year of Thailand merch!
Hosted by: Dr. Roneisha Worthy, SPCEET Assistant Dean of Student Success and Professor of Civil
Engineering; the SPCEET Student Success Center; SPCEET Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering
Student Organizations.
LITERATURE & CULTURE: 100 Years of Winnie the Pooh
Date: Wednesday, October 14
Time: 3:00-4:00 PM
Location: Sturgis Library, The Nest (Kennesaw)
SNAPSHOT: Celebrate the 100th anniversary of one of the world's most beloved bears - Winnie-the-Pooh!
Pooh's love of honey is famous around the globe. He would be ecstatic to know that
Thailand produces some of the world's highest-quality honey. While their premium varieties
are too rare to sample today, join us to learn about Thailand's honey industry and
enjoy tasting a popular type!
While the KSU Library will be celebrating all day, this one-hour event with Global
Education will explore Winnie-the-Pooh's enduring global appeal and the special connection
between this classic story and Winnie-the-Pooh films from Thailand.
Win a prize and collect our signature "Oh, Honey!" sticker!
Hosted by: The University Libraries and Global Education
CULTURE: Oh Honey! Tasting
Date: Wednesday, October 21
Time: 12 - 2 PM
Location: Atrium Bldg, Lobby (Marietta)
SNAPSHOT: Thailand produces some of the world's highest-quality honey. While their premium varieties
are too rare to sample today, join us to learn about Thailand's honey industry and
enjoy tasting a popular type!
Pick up your signature "Oh, Honey!" sticker while supplies last!
Hosted by: Global Education
CULTURE: Haunt the Halls
Date: Tuesday, October 27
Time: 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: The Academic Learning Center (ALC), Suite 5625 (Kennesaw)
SNAPSHOT: Visit the ALC to grab some Halloween candy and stop by the Global Education Suite
for an introduction to THAI horror films, a mainstream of Thai cinema, blending traditional
superstitions, Buddhist karma, and folklore. Stop by; don't be scared!
Hosted by: Global Education
SPORTS: It's KSU Volleyball THAI-ME!
Dates/Times:
Friday, Oct. 30 - 7 PM
Saturday, Oct. 31 - 2 PM
Location: VyStar Arena (Kennesaw)
SNAPSHOT: Cheer on the Owls Women's Volleyball team as they take on Liberty in these Conference
USA matches.
Learn more about Thailand's women's national volleyball team, which is ranked 18th in the world, and draws large crowds and a lot of support in the country. They have won multiple gold medals at the Asian and SEA championships.
Grab a limited edition "BOO" Volleyball sticker, join the costume contest, and take
part in a service project.
Admission is FREE!
Hosted By: Flight, Athletics, and the Office of Global Education
CULTURE & FOOD: Scrappy Hour - THAI Edition
Date: Thursday, November 5
Time: 1:30-2:30 PM
Location: Campus Green (Kennesaw)
SNAPSHOT: Scrappy Hour gets a one-time THAI twist during Homecoming Week!
Hosted by: Division of Student Affairs
SPORTS & TRIVIA: Alumni Tailgating at HOCO '26
Date: Saturday, November 7
Time: 12:00 - 3:00 PM
Location: Owls Nest Practice Field #2
SNAPSHOT: KSU is hosting its next Alumni Tailgating experience at HOCO '26, and we'll be there
to challenge your knowledge of Thai culture before the big game!
ART & CULTURE: ZMA Family Day - Geometric Movement
Date: Saturday, November 7
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Zuckerman Museum of Art (Kennesaw)
SNAPSHOT: Join us at the Zuckerman Museum of Art (ZMA) for a FREE day of discovering the playful connections among theatre, math and visual art—with a special touch of Thailand folded into the experience!
SNAPSHOT: Join us during International Education Week for a fun night of games. Some games you
are familiar with have fascinating global histories. You might even learn a new game
or two, including Thai chess known as Makruk!
Hosted by: Global Education and the Global Ambassadors
LITERATURE AND CULTURE: Book Club
Date: Thursday, November 12
Time: 2:00 - 3:30 PM
Location: Sturgis Library, The Nest (Kennesaw)
SNAPSHOT:
Bangkok Wakes to Rain. Pitchaya Sudbanthad’s multi-generational novel spans over a century, following the interconnected lives of various residents all tied to a single property in Bangkok. It’s a brilliant, time-bending exploration of memory, history, and a rapidly transforming city.
Join facilitator Ashley Dupuy, for a lively discussion of this novel and sample some
Thai snacks! You can borrow the ebook from the University Libraries.
Location: Scott Hall, Bailey Performance Center (Kennesaw)
SNAPSHOT: Experience Thailand through music, traditions, and everyday culture in this interactive
session with Conductor Kloy Intawong. Through songs, sounds, instruments, cultural
objects, and stories from different parts of Thailand, participants will discover
some of the many influences that shape Thai life and culture. The session will include
opportunities to listen, sing, explore, and participate, with a few glimpses into
Thai food, language, and everyday traditions along the way.
This session will be led by Dr. Kloy Intawong, Associate Conductor of the two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning, The Washington Chorus in 2023, collaborating with the National Symphony Orchestra (USA). Dr. Intawong is originally from Thailand.
Hosted by: Bailey School of Music
SPORTS: Intramural Champ Nights
Dates/Locations:
Wednesday, December 2 - Volleyball @ SRAC, 4-Court Gym (Kennesaw)
Thursday, December 3 - Outdoor Soccer @ The Perch
Times: TBD
SNAPSHOT: Join us as the Owls play these popular Thai sports and see the Year of Thailand Lotus
Cup Trophy awarded to the winning intramural teams!
Hosted by: University Recreation
CULTURE: White Elephant Finals Party
Dates/Locations:
Thursday, December 3 @ The Nest, Sturgis Library (Kennesaw)
Tuesday, December 8 @ Johnson Library (Marietta)
Time: 12-3 PM
SNAPSHOT: Take a break from finals, swap for a surprise gift, and celebrate the semester with
a Thai-inspired white elephant party.
Hosted by: KSU Libraries and Global Education
CULTURE: Things that make you say "ew!"
Date: Saturday, December 5
Time: 2-3:30 PM
Location: North Cobb Library
SNAPSHOT: At this Geer College of the Arts event, we'll explore the surprising side of the planet, including Thailand, and decide what makes you say "ew!"
Hosted by: Theatre and Performance Studies Department
CULTURE & BUSINESS: Taste of Thailand - 7-11 Edition
Date: Monday, December 7
Time: 11 AM-1 PM
Locations:
Student Center, 2nd Floor (Marietta)
ALC Lobby (Kennesaw)
SNAPSHOT: Thailand runs on 7-Eleven. With over 15,000 locations, 7-Eleven is a neighborhood
hub and convenience store. Sample a Thai snack found in these stores, and grab a limited-edition
sticker as you prep for and take your finals December 7-11!
A priority of the annual Year of Country Study program has been and continues to be inspiring and supporting international partnerships and research. To further this goal, Global Education is working with KSU's Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) to provide funding of up to $1,000 for faculty who choose to mentor undergraduate researchers, while expanding their research in partnership with colleagues in the country of focus. Faculty who wish to be considered, must identify a research partner within that country's higher education institution/s and/or organization/s, and complete the application during the fall semester.
Congratulations to the following faculty who were selected to receive funding during
the Year of the United Kingdom (2025-2026):
Dr. Kawther Hamash, Associate Professor of Nursing, Wellstar College of Health and
Human Services Biochemical and Structural Characterization of Chalcone Isomerase-like Proteins in
(Iso)flavonoid Biosynthesis
Dr. Soon Goo Lee, Assistant Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of
Science and Mathematics Biochemical and Structural Tuning of Enzymes for Plant Specialized Metabolite Production
Dr. Shadi Beshai, Associate Professor of Psychology, Radow College of Humanities and
Social Sciences Comparative Acceptability and Credibility of Psilocybin, Ketamine, and Antidepressants
for the Treatment of Depression
The application for the Year of Thailand is open. Please review the requirements at the OUR website link below.
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure! During the 2026–2027 academic year, some students in Geer College of the Arts will travel to Thailand to experience its vibrant culture firsthand. From exploring historic landmarks and engaging with local communities to discovering new traditions and perspectives, these immersive experiences will bring the Year of Thailand to life beyond the classroom. KSU students will get more information on the many study abroad experiences possible around the world at KSU's Education Abroad Fairs in October!
Have you already graduated from KSU and still want to travel abroad? Look for annual
trips being coordinated by KSU's Office of Alumni and Constituent Engagement. This year's travel to Thailand is already full, but future trips to other "Year Of"
countries are being planned!
From Kenny the Canadian moose to Nigel the United Kingdom’s beloved country mouse, Kennesaw State University’s Year of Country Study mascots have sparked curiosity and connected campus, community, and online audiences with cultures around the world. Through their adventures, stories, and activities, these memorable characters make global learning approachable and engaging.
For the Year of Thailand, the program is expanding its reach with nine campus teams
serving as guardians of plush Malayan tapirs, an endangered species found in Thailand.
Each team received an adoption kit containing their tapir, a field guide, cultural
information, and challenges to complete throughout the year, bringing opportunities
to explore Thailand into their own campus spaces. (NOTE: The number nine in Thailand
equates to progress, which is what we hope to accomplish as this element of our cultural
exploration expands.)
The mascot program encourages creativity, collaboration, and connections across campus, giving each guardian team a chance to make the experience its own. Follow the tapirs’ adventures on Instagram @ksu.yearof as their guardians introduce them to campus life, explore Thai culture, and share what they discover along the way.
Meet Our Nine Guardian Teams:
Career Planning & Development • College of Architecture and Construction Management (CACM) • Dining Services • Global Education • Library Services • Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) • Radow College of Humanities & Social Sciences • Student Affairs • Sustainability
In collaboration with KSU's Museums, Archives, and Rare Books (MARB), the Year of
Thailand has developed a set of introductory exhibit panels to provide a general overview
of important topics related to the country of study, and to draw the campus into the
Year of Thailand experience. Look for these panels across both campuses (one is on
the Marietta Campus) and test your knowledge with the Thai-focused trivia embedded
on each piece. Complete the trivia on all seven panels and be entered to win a Year
of Thailand prize pack in November and April!
We extend our sincere thanks to Geer College of the Arts faculty members Dr. Ploy
Twishime and Dr. Peter Fielding for their expertise, thoughtful contributions, and
support in shaping the panel content and ensuring its accuracy.
Year of Thailand Logo
In collaboration with KSU's Geer College of the Arts and the School of Art and Design’s Design Practicum course (ART 4030), we are excited to present the iconic Year of Thailand country study logo (seen at the top left of this page). This logo is used throughout the year to identify official programs that are affiliated with the university-wide focus. Many thanks to Assistant Professor John King and the following seniors who created this design: Catelyn Benson, Jayden Berry, Olivia Buoni, Isabella Rachel, and Nicolas Wigfall. Global Education is proud to feature the work of our young professionals as part of this signature focus at KSU.
