Ella Goode has been named the recipient of the Kennesaw State University President’s Award of Distinction, the university’s highest undergraduate honor, according to a May 5 announcement.
The award is presented at spring and fall commencements to a graduate “who serves as an inspiration to their peers, their community, and the entirety of Owl Nation.” Goode is graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, along with minors in management and software engineering. She is also a member of the KSU Journey Honors College.
Goode’s time at Kennesaw State was marked by her involvement in research projects, student activities, leadership roles such as Supplemental Instruction Leader, earning scholarships like the Siegel Outstanding Student Leader Scholarship, and completing internships that prepared her for a career in technology. “Ella Goode embodies the very best of Kennesaw State—combining academic excellence with a genuine commitment to learning through experience, service, and leadership,” said KSU President Kathy S. Schwaig. “Among an exceptionally strong and competitive group of nominees, Ella stood out for the depth of her impact on others and the way she fully embraced the opportunities of her KSU experience.”
Goode discovered her passion for computer science during high school through an Advanced Placement course that introduced her to programming. “I’ve always loved logic, critical thinking, and problem solving,” Goode said. “It was an instant click. I remember thinking, ‘This is great. This is super fun. This is what I want to do.’” She chose Kennesaw State for its focus on engineering and computing on its Marietta Campus.
Her involvement expanded after participating in a hackathon hosted by the College of Computing and Software Engineering during her freshman year—a competition that led directly to an internship opportunity. She later joined and led roles within student organizations such as serving as guidance navigation lead on the Aerial Robotics Competition Team where she worked across disciplines with over 100 students.
Judy Craven, director of Student Leadership Development at KSU said: “What truly sets her apart is who she is at her core: kind, thoughtful, grounded, and fully committed to contributing to her community… She leads with heart as much as she leads with skill.” Adeel Khalid from Southern Polytechnic College described being impressed by Goode’s dedication: “I believe her passion and quest for learning will prove beneficial in achieving her career goals and becoming a leader who serves and inspires.”
After graduation Goode plans to move to California for a product management role at Roblox following an internship there where she impacted more than 1.5 million users. Reflecting on her experiences at KSU she encouraged future students: “Get involved as early as you can… Every experience teaches you something.”