The following is from Markeith Montgomery's speech at the launch of The Capital Campaign for Kennesaw State. Click here to learn more about how Together, We Build Champions. 

My name is Markeith Montgomery. I'm from Chickamauga, Georgia and I am a Graduate student here at KSU. I'm currently in my sixth season on the football team.

Coming out of high school, I was rated a 3-star prospect and I had some great college options. I was offered a scholarship to Kennesaw State and it was a no-brainer.

I fell in love with the area. It was perfect being close enough that my family could come to cheer me on, and the coaches made it feel like home. They laugh with us and make it fun, but they also keep us in line and accountable to make good grades – and that definitely felt like home. Every day, I am thankful I choose to attend KSU. 

When COVID hit, I took the opportunity to reflect and really consider my future and it became very clear to me that my passion was for sports management. I am so grateful to KSU for being a place where students have the opportunity to realize their true passion.  

After I graduate with my master's degree I’d love to pursue playing football professionally. I still haven’t worked out all the details but that’s okay, as long as I have a great degree from KSU and a passion for sports, I know that I will land the perfect job. 

I am also immensely grateful for the wonderful opportunity I had to participate in an internship at KSU. It can be difficult to be a student and an athlete – demanding practice schedules and rigorous class schedules leave little time for other endeavors, so I was so excited when KSU helped me figure out how I could participate in an internship too. I really enjoyed my time as an intern for KSU athletics. I loved helping with pregame setups and seeing the many important things that happen before a game. When I am the one on the field, I miss seeing so much of what goes on behind the scenes to make every game a great experience for KSU fans like you. 

My family and I are so very thankful for the full football scholarship I received to attend KSU. This scholarship made such a positive impact on my time at Kennesaw State.  I didn't have to worry about the struggles most college students have to worry about like housing, meals, financial stress, or anything that deals with money. Most importantly this scholarship helped my family. I thank God, our donors and the coaches who believed in me. My parents didn't have to worry about anything because that full scholarship helped me more than we ever could have dreamed of. 

I want to say a BIG thank you to all the donors who have invested their resources and love in KSU and our students. We often talk about teamwork and the power of unity. Your contributions represent the ultimate form of teamwork. We’re proud to be a part of your team! Go Owls!