Kennesaw State University’s geography and geospatial sciences programs have received the Teaching Excellence Award for Department or Program from the University System of Georgia Board of Regents. The recognition highlights the department’s interdisciplinary approach, which combines research, technology, and practical experiences to prepare students for new challenges in their fields.
The programs are part of the Department of Geography and Anthropology within the Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences. They were previously honored with the 2021 American Association of Geographers’ Award for Bachelor Program Excellence.
The Board of Regents award is given to departments or programs that demonstrate excellence in teaching and innovative student support. A committee made up of faculty and administrators from across the University System reviews nominations and selects finalists.
“Our esteemed faculty in the geography and geospatial sciences programs have exemplified their willingness to continue improving the way they educate to stay ahead of the curve,” said Ivan Pulinkala, KSU provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “Their passion for teaching and dedication to their fields of expertise reaffirms KSU’s commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience.”
Paul McDaniel, professor of geography, noted that this award marks a milestone for both faculty and students. “This recent award from the Board of Regents just reinforces how we continue to be innovative and how we continue to grow,” McDaniel said. “We continue to try lots of different things in and out of the classroom to provide enriching experiences for our students.”
Vanessa Slinger-Friedman, co-founder of KSU’s Food Forest and OwlSwap, said: “It’s the effort of all the geography and geospatial science faculty that have built these programs and contributed to student success,” Slinger-Friedman said. “We hope that it brings attention to the programs, highlights their impacts, and attracts students to KSU and to our department.”
The geography program began in 1997 with an undergraduate certificate. Today it serves more than 6,000 students each year, including those from other majors.
Department chair Brandon D. Lundy described a focus on undergraduate scholarship through collaborative research between faculty members and students. “In the last two to three years, we’ve established four new laboratories focused on geography and geospatial sciences,” Lundy said. “This gives students access to hands-on research experiences.”
Graduates find employment in areas such as crime analysis, emergency services, engineering, epidemiology, environmental management, forestry, housing, marketing, military sciences, sustainability efforts like land surveying or urban planning as well as transportation or utilities sectors.
Students gain experience with advanced tools such as laser scanning equipment, 3D printers, and drone technology as part of their coursework.
“Geography, and maps really, are a fundamental language for understanding the world,” McDaniel said. “When students learn how to work with that technology, it helps them provide a framework for organizing and communicating all of that knowledge.”
