Kennesaw State University President Kathy S. Schwaig has been named to Georgia Trend magazine’s 2026 list of the 100 Most Influential Georgians. The annual list highlights leaders from sectors such as business, education, government, and health care.
Georgia Trend recognized Schwaig for her role in Kennesaw State’s economic growth and increased enrollment since she became president in 2022. The magazine also noted her efforts to foster student success and elevate the university’s national profile.
“I am honored to be listed among my colleagues who are making an impact throughout our state, and for the acknowledgement of Kennesaw State’s commitment to students, families, and communities,” said Schwaig. “We boldly embrace our part in expanding access, empowering learners, creating career-ready graduates, and contributing to a prosperous Georgia.”
Georgia Trend explained its selection process by stating: “In selecting the state’s most influential people each year, the Georgia Trend staff has the tough job of narrowing down a rather sizable list of impressive people to just 100. It takes time and effort, but ultimately we feel the group chosen represents the best qualities the state has to offer.”
During Schwaig’s tenure at Kennesaw State University (KSU), several initiatives have been launched aimed at achieving institutional excellence. These include “Taking Flight,” a strategic plan focused on raising KSU’s prominence nationally; more than 50 new degree programs in fields like aerospace engineering and artificial intelligence; an increase in external research awards by 81 percent; nearly tripled research expenditures; fundraising that has grown by over 300 percent annually; and FLIGHT—a program supporting first-year students’ engagement and retention.
The university has invested in academic facilities with nearly 20 capital projects across both campuses. Under Schwaig’s leadership, KSU joined Conference USA—leading to achievements such as winning the 2025 football conference championship and securing its first FBS bowl berth.
Schwaig also relaunched HatchBridge, a business incubator that since 2023 has helped more than 170 companies raise over $29 million.
Georgia Trend is an Atlanta-based publication that has featured this list for almost three decades. Several previous presidents of Kennesaw State have appeared on it before. Schwaig was also included on last year’s list.
