Kennesaw State University named Volker Franke, professor of conflict management, as the recipient of the University Distinguished Professor Award at its annual Faculty Awards ceremony on April 23. This award is the highest honor given each year to faculty members at the university.
The awards recognize faculty for their excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service. Kennesaw State President Kathy S. Schwaig said, “Our faculty honorees play a vital role in advancing Kennesaw State’s mission through excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service. Their contributions strengthen our academic and research community and extend KSU’s impact locally and nationally. Congratulations to Dr. Franke and to each of our 2026 Faculty Award recipients.”
Franke teaches in the School of Conflict Management, Peacebuilding, and Development within the Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences. He was recognized for his sustained record of excellence across teaching, research, creative activity, and professional service.
In addition to his role at KSU, Franke serves as executive director of TRENDS Global—a nonprofit based in Atlanta focused on research and engagement within diverse societies. He has over thirty years’ experience working with institutions worldwide on topics including peace studies, conflict management, civil-military relations, development policy, and social identity.
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning manages the Faculty Awards process at KSU; outstanding faculty are nominated by their deans then reviewed by representatives from all degree-granting colleges at the university. The ceremony is underwritten by the Kennesaw State University Foundation which also provides a monetary gift accompanying each award.
The event also highlighted a recent recognition from outside the university: The University System of Georgia Board of Regents awarded KSU’s Department of English with its Regents’ Award for Excellence in High-Impact Practices and Experiential Learning—an honor that recognizes departments committed to integrating high-impact practices into curricula resulting in transformative outcomes for students.