Kennesaw State University running back Coleman Bennett is set to graduate this semester with a Master of Public Administration, maintaining a 4.0 GPA while leading the Owls football team to a historic season.
Bennett, who transferred from Rice University in January, played a key role in KSU’s first postseason bowl appearance and Conference USA championship win. On the field, he accumulated over 1,000 total yards and scored seven touchdowns during the season. In recognition of his academic achievements, he was named to the Conference USA Football All-Academic Team.
Describing his experience at KSU as “the best place to spend my last year, academically and athletically,” Bennett said that public administration was an ideal fit for him due to his interest in working with people and using leadership skills for positive impact.
“My mom has a master’s degree, and both of my older brothers do too, so earning mine was important to me,” Bennett said. “The MPA opened my eyes to the impact you can make when you understand policy, administration, and how to work with others. It also gave me a better understanding of the kind of leader I want to be.”
Bennett comes from a family with deep football roots. His father, Donnell Bennett Jr., played seven years in the NFL as a fullback for the Kansas City Chiefs and one year with the Washington Commanders. Growing up in Tamarac, Florida as one of four brothers who all play football, Bennett credits his parents’ influence on his athletic journey.
“I started playing football when I was 9,” Bennett said. “My dad had a big influence on me, and my mom was very into football, too. When I was younger watching my dad play, I’d say, ‘That’s going to be me one day’.”
Despite balancing late-night training sessions and travel for games during his final semester at KSU, Bennett maintained top grades through careful time management.
“I’ve learned a lot about time management,” he said. “I plan ahead, keep track of my due dates, and stay in communication with my professors and coaches. You can’t procrastinate when you’re trying to balance academics and athletics.”
His academic journey included studying abroad in Geneva this May—his first trip to Europe—where he observed public administration across different cultures. He also completed a capstone project analyzing property tax rates for homeowners in Woodstock.
On the field this season, Bennett led KSU as their top rusher with 716 yards and four rushing touchdowns out of ten wins in thirteen games—the most successful run yet for Owls football. The team clinched its first bowl eligibility after defeating University of Texas at El Paso before winning the Conference USA championship against Jacksonville State.
“It was just pure joy and excitement,” Bennett recalled about becoming bowl-eligible at home. “I think a lot of people were very excited and happy that we’re able to go out there and get a win and do something very big for the university, for our families, for our team because you know everybody’s playing for something more than themselves.”
Owls head coach Jerry Mack praised Bennett’s commitment: “I can’t say enough great things about Coleman…When he arrived here it was very obvious that academics was at the forefront of his decision to choose Kennesaw State…his attention to detail [and] commitment to excellence has made it a joy…He means a lot to our program and he has really helped us build a foundation for us to have a tradition of winning here at Kennesaw State.”
Bennett attributes his achievements to family values centered on faith, family, and football: “Nothing in life is handed to you,” he added. “My parents always made sure I understood that everything is earned. My journey wasn’t easy but it shaped me…You have to work for everything.”
After graduation on December 16th—when he will receive his degree from Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences—Bennett will compete with the Owls in their upcoming Myrtle Beach Bowl game against Western Michigan before pursuing opportunities in professional football.
“My dad always says the NFL stands for ‘not for long’,” Bennett said. “So I’m preparing for football but also thinking about career opportunities beyond the game.”
