Kennesaw State University is the third-largest university in Georgia and one of the fastest-growing. One of the 35 institutions that constitute the University System of Georgia, Kennesaw State is a comprehensive, residential institution with more than 24,100 students from 142 countries. The university was founded as Kennesaw Junior College in 1963. Today, Kennesaw State is one of the state’s largest producers of nurses, teachers and business majors.

Kennesaw State is on an upward trajectory toward national prominence. The institution has been recognized twice as an up-and-coming university by U.S.News & World Report, which in 2011 also selected the university’s first-year program among the best in the nation for nine consecutive years. Its extensive global efforts and programs have recently earned Kennesaw State several national recognitions, including the Association for International Educators’ 2011 Senator Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization and the Institute for International Education’s 2011 Andrew Heiskell Award for Innovation in International Education.

Over the past few years, Kennesaw State has evolved from a teaching-focused institution educating undergrads and master-level students into a comprehensive, doctorate-granting university. KSU now offers 80 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, including doctorates in business, education, nursing and international conflict management.

As Kennesaw State’s national profile has risen, the university’s research activity and sponsored programs have flourished. Over the past five years, external funding awards have nearly quadrupled, from $4.3 million in fiscal year 2006 to $16.6 million in fiscal year 2011. The National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense have become significant funders of research at Kennesaw State. State-of-the-art facilities such as the new 200,000-square-foot Prillaman Hall Health Sciences Building, which houses the WellStar College of Health and Human Services, and the College of Science and Mathematics’ Science Lab Addition now under construction foster heightened research activity across campus.

As a university of choice for more and more out-of-state and international students, Kennesaw State continues to add modern facilities that enhance student life on campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The opening in August 2009 of The Commons Student Culinary Center –– a 53,466-square-foot green building that has set a new national standard for campus dining nationally –– was key in transforming the university into a full-service, residential campus. A new $26 million student housing facility will accommodate an additional 451 students when it opens in fall 2012, joining several state-of-the-art, award-winning residential facilities across campus that house some 3,000 students. The new KSU Sports & Recreation Park, with seven fields and an indoor training facility, provides additional space for intramural and club sports. The park also features nearly 5,000 feet of nature and hiking trails and a 12-acre lake. More than 2,200 students participate in intramural and club sports at Kennesaw State, taking advantage of these first-class facilities.

What can we tell you about Kennesaw? It’s a safe, vibrant community where the past is preserved and genuine Southern hospitality abounds. It’s a city where families and businesses grow and thrive. Our city is conveniently located in the heart of Cobb County, less than 25 miles northwest of Atlanta.

Founded in 1887 and situated minutes from the Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield National Park, this rapidly growing city of over 30,000 residents has a unique and rich history, as well as a focus on a progressive and successful future. Attractive, modern neighborhoods and a thriving business environment blend seamlessly with cultural and recreational resources and an abundance of parks and green spaces, offering an exceptional quality of life.

Named a Preserve America community, a Tree City USA and recognized by Family Circle Magazine as one of America’s Best Towns for Families and by Newsmax Magazine as one of the Top 25 Cities and Towns with the Best American Values, Kennesaw is a place we’re proud to call home.

The city’s Smithsonian-affiliated Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History brings the exciting story of the General and the Great Locomotive Chase to life. Rotating displays and exhibits at the museum, as well as plenty of special events, keep the lessons of the past relevant to today’s society.

Kennesaw embraces its history, and has channeled its past as a way to move ahead towards the future. A major element of its recent downtown revitalization project, for example, is the construction of a 115-foot lighted pedestrian tunnel that connects the business district of Main Street to the Southern Museum and the historic train depot, which sit on the other side of the railroad tracks. Pedestrians using the walkway are treated to artwork by Atlanta legend Wilbur Kurtz, a collection of murals and panels that depict The Great Locomotive Chase, which so famously began right here in Kennesaw.

But history isn’t Kennesaw’s only attraction. The city is also home to other recreational and cultural amenities. The 16-acre Smith-Gilbert Gardens is an oasis of art, history, and flora with over 3,000 species of plants in a naturalistic setting. Grassy meadows and meandering pathways contain a collection of over 30 original sculptures. The property includes the Hiram-Butler House, built in 1882, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Homes.

Several city parks provide opportunities for promoting physical, social, and mental wellness for residents and visitors. Our newest addition is the 42-acre Swift-Cantrell Park, which features walking trails, playgrounds, a dog park, and a skate spot. The park has become a favorite for residents and visitors throughout the region.

Complementing the excellent facilities, the Parks & Recreation Department hosts a number of annual festivals, concerts and cultural events, offering free entertainment for people of all ages and interests. Each year, we are proud hosts of the Kennesaw/Big Shanty Arts Festival, as well as the Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival, one of the premier barbeque events in north Georgia, both of which bring people from all over the state and the region to our community.

Kennesaw’s residents also enjoy exceptional academic options at all grade levels. Adjacent to the city is the state’s third largest university, Kennesaw State University. Boasting a student population of over 24,000, KSU is well known for academic programs in business, education and nursing. Our residents also have access to three first-rate public high schools and a wealth of exceptional elementary and middle schools.

Along with Kennesaw being a great place to live, learn and play, its location in Cobb County, one of the fastest growing counties in the nation, only adds to the possibilities for its residents. With world-class facilities such as the Cobb Galleria Convention Centre, which has over 144,000 square feet of exhibit space, and the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, which regularly hosts Broadway shows, ballets, concerts, operas, and corporate events, top-notch entertainment and business are right at your doorstep.

Kennesaw offers the best of yesterday, today and tomorrow. We honor our heritage while looking to forge a successful future. Make your next stop Kennesaw.