2025 HR Year in Review
Human Resources remains committed to strengthening the employee experience and advancing services that support a thriving, high-performing workplace at Kennesaw State University. Over the past year, our efforts have centered on building sustainable systems, enhancing service-delivery, and investing in the people who power our institution. Guided by our FY2025–2027 strategic priorities, we continue to drive innovation, streamline processes, and expand opportunities for professional growth across the KSU community.
Here is a short list of some HR accomplishments in 2025:
- Finalized 2025-2027 HR Projects and Priorities Roadmap
- Redesigned the New Manager Orientation (NMO) program to equip new managers with practical tools, structured development, and built-in community support
- Conducted KSU’s first Employee Engagement Survey
- Launched 3rd cohort of High Impact Leaders Program (HILP)
- Developed formal workforce planning process with toolkit
- Launched USG First Year CHRO Onboarding Program
- Completed 3rd semester for the Administration & Finance Division internship program that included 9 interns across 5 campus departments
- Implemented electronic telework request system
- Conducted Campus-wde Training Needs Assessment
- Developed a new Employee Directory designed to provide a clearer, more accurate view of how departments are aligned across the university
Generational Breakdown (all employees, not including student workers)
- Traditionalists (1925-1945) - 18
- Baby boomers (1946-1964) - 778
- Generation X (1965-1979) - 1895
- Generation Y (1980-1994) - 2070
- Generation Z (1995-2009) – 970
Developing the Future Workforce
Data collection via a survey of student workers was piloted in Fall 2025. 100% of respondents reported positive outcomes, including:
Strongly agreed:
“My work was meaningful and contributed to the organization”
Either strongly agreed or somewhat agreed:
“My job tasks aligned well with my academic or career goals”
Strongly agreed:
“I gained new skills or knowledge during my internship, and skills gained are relevant to my future career plans”
Stated they were satisfied with their overall experience and would recommend their internship to other students
Either strongly agreed or somewhat agreed:
“I would consider a career in the field in which I interned”
Operational Excellence, HRIS and Service Delivery
In 2025, HR processed 27,867 transitions (position changes, pay changes, terminations, hires, and more), reinforcing a strong commitment to accurate, timely employee records and operational integrity.
| Group | Total Transactions |
|---|---|
| Faculty | 8,205 |
| Staff | 8,053 |
| Students | 11,330 |
| NonPaid Affiliates | 279 |
Additionally, 25, 498 Integrity Reports (Runs + Items Reviewed) were conducted.
Engagement, Learning & Communication
In 2025, Human Resources strengthened employee engagement through expanded communications, high-impact training sessions, and strategic creative services that supported initiatives across the university.
Communications & Creative Impact
- 192,999 HR website views, demonstrating sustained demand for HR resources and services
- 9,621 newsletter views, reflecting an 8% increase from 2024
- 1,800 New Employee Resource Guide downloads, supporting managers as they onboard new hires
- 308 custom-designed assets delivered, including brochures, flyers, handouts, training decks, newsletters, and promotional materials
Training & Development Offerings
- 7 Lunch and Learn sessions on USG Benefits
- 10 university-wide Compensation training sessions
- CliftonStrengths workshops delivered to 14 KSU departments
- University-wide Training Needs Assessment conducted to guide future programming
- Emergenetics workshops delivered to several KSU departments across campus
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Chili & Cheer Years of Service Celebration
The 2025 Chili & Cheer event recognized 430 honoreesrepresenting over5,000 combined years of USG service. Among those honored were our President and Provost, underscoring the shared commitment to service and longevity across every level of the institution. This annual celebration continues to highlight the strength, stability, and dedication of the KSU workforce. -
Benefits Fair 2025
The 2025 Benefits Fair welcomed 519 employees who connected directly with USG benefit partners and HR specialists to make informed decisions about their coverage. In total, 3,340 employees successfully enrolled in benefits during the enrollment cycle. This year’s fair reinforced our commitment to equipping employees with the tools needed to make confident decisions about their health, wealth, and well-being, with interactive stations that proved to be a standout highlight of the event. -
Employee Appreciation Events
In 2025, 4,525 faculty and staff participated in Employee Appreciation events across both campuses. This year marked an intentional shift in how we celebrate our employees. Rather than hosting a concentrated week of events, appreciation activities were strategically scheduled throughout the year. This expanded approach increased accessibility, improved participation opportunities across varied work schedules, and allowed us to sustain a culture of recognition year-round.
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2025 Retirement Ceremony
We proudly celebrated 73 retirees honoring an extraordinary 1,564 total years of USG service at the 2025 Retirement Ceremony. Each retiree represents decades of dedication, leadership, and institutional knowledge that helped shape KSU’s culture and success. The annual Retirement Ceremony provided an opportunity to reflect, express gratitude, and recognize the lasting impact of their contributions to the university community. -
Leadership & Professional Achievement
Our Chief Human Resources Officer, Karen McDonnell, was elected President of the GA state chapter of CUPA-HR and selected to serve on the National Membership Engagement Council beginning July 2025. She also presented at the national CUPA-HR conference, representing Kennesaw State University on a national stage. Her leadership and influence reflect the growing impact of KSU HR beyond our campus.
Congratulations, 2025 Graduates!
We proudly celebrate members of the HR team who achieved significant academic and professional milestones in 2025. Their continued pursuit of excellence reinforces HR’s commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth.
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Evan Austin - Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, Kennesaw State University
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LaFaye Boykins -Master of Conflict Management and Peacebuilding, Kennesaw State University
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Keon Coates – Master of Science in Financial Planning, University of Georgia
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Karen McDonnell – Master’s Certificate in Leadership and Organizational Coaching, University of Georgia
Hall of Fame Induction
We are thrilled to celebrate Jessie Graiser, Benefits Specialist, on her induction into the University of Cincinnati Athletic Hall of Fame.
This prestigious recognition honors her outstanding collegiate athletic achievements and reflects the excellence and dedication she brings to her professional role at KSU.
HR Team Recognition
In 2025, HR team members were recognized with divisional KUDOS cards 135 times for demonstrating our division’s purpose and/or living out one of KSU's values in Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, Inclusivity and Accountability.
As we move forward into 2026, HR remains focused on developing leaders at every level,
and fostering a culture where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered to perform
at their best.