KSU News
It’s not every day that students get the opportunity to take a class with the two highest ranking administrators on campus
Kennesaw State University President Kathy S
Schwaig and Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Ivan Pulinkala are redefining what it means to be a university leader
an Honors Discovery course called “Cultivating Leadership Skills,” offering their expertise and wisdom to about two dozen students
Schwaig shared her personal leadership journey
and Pulinkala focused on the theoretical principles of leadership
The broader effort of reengaging members of the president’s cabinet and the provost’s leadership team is also about continuing to gauge the needs of students
When senior administrators are given the latitude to be involved on the ground
there’s greater intentionality in university operations
Schwaig said interacting from an authentic place is crucial to this initiative
“If you can really make a connection with the students
you will learn so much more,” Schwaig said
Applying Pulinkala’s focus on the conceptual
Schwaig also advised students to be intentional and to consider the values she personally tries to uphold in both her personal and professional life
‘Thank you for talking about who you are,’” she said
“Being honest about who I am and where I’ve been makes them comfortable to do the same
You don’t go in there and pretend you’re something you’re not.”
“It really means a lot that they took this time to speak with students
and really make their presence known,” Smith said
“They're not just some face on a wall or some name on a website
“They reflect on what they've done and what they're trying to be,” she said
another President’s Parliament Scholar Ambassador
Schwaig and Pulinkala’s class reminded her that KSU is a place that welcomes everyone
Montagut attended a school that ranged from 200 to 500 students
she said the approachability is even greater
“President Schwaig and Provost Pulinkala really care about the students here
and they show that by providing opportunities in classes like the one that we just had,” she said
“You wouldn't know it if you saw her with the students in the classroom,” Pulinkala said
“You turn the knob on the door and enter into a very sacred place,” she said
“It's been fun for me to get to have that opportunity to do it again
Teaching is why we came to the academy in the first place
The docket of Honors Discovery courses in the fall 2024 semester ranged from College of Architecture and Construction Management Dean Hazem Rashed-Ali’s course titled “Sustainability
and the Built Environment” to Vice Provost Sheb True’s class
“Cultural Navigation.” Other faculty administrators also taught Honors Discovery courses this semester
including Coles College Dean Robin Cheramie
Pulinkala continues to teach a class at least once a year
staying active in the state’s largest collegiate dance program
Pulinkala choreographed a performance and will again this fall
Pulinkala said it’s a privilege to work with students
“They’re entrusting you with a level of care for their intellectual development,” he said
“It’s organic to the academic mission,” Pulinkala said
Honors biology student makes most of KSU experience
Kennesaw State recognizes outstanding staff at annual awards ceremony
Kennesaw State announces 2025 Faculty Award honorees
Kennesaw State computer science student honored with first President's Award of Distinction
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The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG) today named Dr
Kathy “Kat” Schwaig president of Kennesaw State University (KSU)
Schwaig currently serves as KSU’s interim president
“Kennesaw State has a strong advocate and leader in Dr
and there is no question about the passion she has for the university and its students
faculty and staff,” USG Acting Chancellor Teresa MacCartney said
“As a longtime member of the KSU community
she has been a major part of its journey to become a force for student success in higher education
and I congratulate her on being named president of the institution she loves.”
During her eight months as interim president
Schwaig has focused on student-centered policies and practices aimed at improving retention
This includes creating the Student Success Steering Committee
which works to coordinate and improve student success initiatives at a university that currently offers over 165 undergraduate
graduate and doctoral degrees and serves just under 43,000 students
Among her accomplishments as interim president
Schwaig created a new campus communication structure
successfully engaged with donors to raise money for scholarships
coordinated strategic and tactical planning for campus and athletic facilities and expanded the university’s overall strategic framework
by adding a new focus to build engagement both on-campus and with community and business partners
“There is no question that Kennesaw State University has an extraordinary story and a promising future
and I’m honored the board has confidence in me to keep that story moving forward,” Schwaig said
“My highest priority has been to support faculty and staff in making KSU a student-centered university
engagement and academic success won’t change.”
Schwaig earned a BBA in Accounting and an MBA in Information Systems from Baylor University
a Master’s of Liberal Arts from Johns Hopkins University and a Ph.D
in Information Systems from the University of South Carolina
Schwaig held faculty positions at Georgia State University and Baylor University and taught as a graduate assistant at the University of South Carolina
serving in several faculty and leadership roles including as interim department chair for the Department of Accounting and interim department chair for the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems in the College of Science and Mathematics
Schwaig also served as the Dinos Eminent Scholar Chair of Entrepreneurial Management and professor of information systems
the college’s reputation rose including its part-time MBA being ranked among the top 25 in the nation and first in Georgia among public institutions by Bloomberg Businessweek (2018)
CEO magazine (2018) ranked the Executive MBA program first in Georgia and seventh nationally
The Online MBA program was ranked in the Top 20 nationally and first in Georgia by U.S
Schwaig led the college through two successful reaccreditation reviews by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) and was instrumental in bringing in $13 million in philanthropic gifts
Schwaig served as KSU provost and senior vice president for academic affairs from 2019 to 2021
she was responsible for all aspects of the university’s academic mission including the planning
budgeting and reviewing of programs in instruction
She also supervised the deans of KSU’s 11 colleges and led the faculty in their efforts to strengthen academic programs and foster a culture of academic excellence
She assumed the interim presidency of KSU in July 2021
- Before Monday night's game between the Kennesaw State and Furman women's basketball teams
Kathy "Kat" Schwaig will present Furman president Dr
Elizabeth Davis with a commemorative game ball
is not a first-time meeting between two respected leaders
but the continuation of a lifelong friendship
As undergraduates at Baylor University in Waco
working towards degrees in accounting and business administration
Schwaig was named Kennesaw State's interim president on July 1
a culmination of nearly 20 years of service to the KSU community
Schwaig received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Baylor before earning a Master in Liberal Arts from Johns Hopkins University and a Ph.D
in Management Information Systems from the University of South Carolina
Schwaig joined the Owl family in 2002 as an associate professor of information systems
and Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Davis became Furman's 12th president in 2014
following 22-years of service to her alma mater
She held many leadership positions at Baylor
including Associate Dean for Undergraduate Business Program
Vice Provost for Financial and Academic Administration and Executive Vice President and Provost
Monday night's game-ball presentation is not just representative of a friendly and competitive relationship between two southeastern mid-majors
but the parallel of a decades-long relationship that is still going strong
It's an opportunity Schwaig looks at with great anticipation
"I'm so grateful for Elizabeth's friendship," said Schwaig
when we do it's so good to reconnect and reminisce
"I can't remember a time since I was 18 when Kathy wasn't a part of the most important moments in my life
whether as my maid of honor or grieving with me when I lost my parents," said Davis
I can't speak to specifics; let's just say we had fun."
To be a part of the evening's events, buy your tickets for Monday night's game between the Kennesaw State Owls and the Furman Paladins here
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Last week, Dr. Kathy Schwaig — a two-time Baylor graduate — was formally introduced as president of Kennesaw State University
joining an ever-growing number of Bears leading colleges and universities across the nation
was the third of three sisters to attend Baylor
earning both her business degree and MBA from Baylor before going on to earn a second master’s from Johns Hopkins and her doctorate at South Carolina
She joined KSU’s business school faculty in 2002
eventually advancing to serve as business school dean (2012-19) and then provost (2019-21) before being named president earlier this year
She joins a long list of Baylor Bears currently serving as top executives at colleges and universities nationwide (and even around the world):
(Have we missed someone? Let us know!)
Changes/additions made after the original post:
Board of Regents Chairman Harold Reynolds and University System of Georgia (USG) Acting Chancellor Teresa MacCartney have announced Dr
Kathy “Kat” Schwaig as the sole finalist for president of Kennesaw State University
“I can think of no candidate more qualified to become KSU’s next president than the person who leads it now and knows its students
staff and community so well,” MacCartney said
Schwaig has spent the past 20 years teaching at KSU while building relationships and gaining administrative experience that ultimately led her to become provost and then interim president
She has a clear vision to serve students and promote the university’s academic excellence while strengthening its research and service missions.”
Over the past eight months as interim president
she also created a new campus communication structure
This work furthers many of Schwaig’s efforts as KSU provost
when she was responsible for all aspects of the university’s academic mission including the planning
Schwaig has been an outstanding leader for KSU not only as interim president
but as its provost and longtime faculty leader and professor,” said Regent Neil L
chair of the Regents Special Committee which also helped with the search
“She has a demonstrated track record of putting students
and would be a great fit for a university and campus community she already knows so well.”
Schwaig previously served as the Dinos Eminent Scholar Chair of Entrepreneurial Management and professor of information systems
giving her almost 20 years of teaching and professional experience as an Owl
“Promoting academic excellence has been central in each of my leadership roles at KSU and I am honored to be given a chance to continue that work,” Schwaig said
and I believe my experience along with my profound affection and appreciation for the institution and its people can make a difference as we move forward
I would be honored to lead the university into its next chapter.”
Schwaig has held several faculty and leadership roles at KSU
interim department chair for the Department of Accounting and interim department chair for the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems in the University’s College of Science and Mathematics
a Master’s of Liberal Arts from Johns Hopkins University
The Board of Regents will take action on the position at a future board meeting
no sooner than five days from naming a finalist
has been named interim president effective June 30
at Kennesaw State University by University System of Georgia Chancellor Steve Wrigley
Schwaig takes over for President Pamela Whitten
who will become the next president of Indiana University in Bloomington
Schwaig has great passion for Kennesaw State University and has built a reputation as an exceptional leader who understands how to foster success and keep KSU a student-centered university,” USG Chancellor Steve Wrigley said
“I appreciate her willingness to serve and know she will continue to work collaboratively with faculty
students and leadership to help KSU achieve its goals.”
Schwaig has been responsible for all aspects of the university's academic mission
including the intellectual environment for faculty
supervising and reviewing programs in instruction
She supervised the deans of KSU’s 11 colleges and led the faculty in their efforts to strengthen academic programs and foster a culture of academic excellence
Schwaig held faculty positions at Georgia State University and Baylor University
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Kennesaw State as interim president,” Schwaig said
“Because of our great students and the dedication of KSU faculty and staff
we enjoy significant momentum and focus in the areas of enrollment growth
Working collaboratively with all university stakeholders
my objective as interim president is to continue KSU’s extraordinary trajectory towards becoming one of the best R2 institutions in the nation.”
Kennesaw State assistant professor receives national honor for mentorship in oncology nursing
Coles College of Business
Kennesaw State University President Pamela Whitten has named Kathy “Kat” Schwaig as the University’s fourth provost and vice president for academic affairs
the Dinos Eminent Scholar Chair of Entrepreneurial Management and professor of information systems
currently serves as the dean of KSU’s Michael J
bringing with her more than 20 years of teaching and professional experience
As provost and vice president for academic affairs
Schwaig serves as the University’s chief academic officer and reports to the president
She is responsible for all aspects of the University's academic mission
Schwaig oversees the deans of KSU’s 13 colleges and leads the faculty in their efforts to strengthen academic programs and foster a culture of academic excellence
Schwaig has an undeniable passion for Kennesaw State
Her reputation as an exceptional leader with the ability to create synergies across the University makes her uniquely qualified to serve as KSU’s next chief academic officer,” said Whitten
“I am looking forward to partnering with her as we cement our focus on consistently being a student-centered university as we become one of the nation’s top R2 research universities.”
the College’s reputation has risen: the part-time MBA ranked among the top 25 in the nation and first in Georgia among public institutions by Bloomberg Businessweek (2018)
Schwaig has led the College’s strategic plan
which focuses on career preparedness for students
She led the College through two successful reaccreditation reviews by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
and was instrumental in bringing $13 million in philanthropic gifts to the College
“I am grateful to President Whitten for the opportunity to serve as provost and vice president for academic affairs at KSU
the place that I have proudly called my professional home for almost 17 years,” said Schwaig
and I’m thrilled to work collaboratively with the faculty
and leadership to help KSU achieve its goals.”
Schwaig has held several faculty and leadership roles at the University
interim department chair for the Department of Accounting
and associate professor of information systems at the Coles College
She also served as interim department chair for the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems in the University’s College of Science and Mathematics
Schwaig held faculty positions at Georgia State University
She is an authority on the information privacy and policy formulation
and her research has been published in some of the leading journals in the information systems field
including Information Systems Research
Communications of the ACM and Journal of Management Information Systems
Schwaig currently serves on the boards of Junior Achievement of Georgia
including the Oscar Burnett Award for Distinguished Achievement in Business from the Morris Brown College Foundation
the Cobb Executive Women’s Glass Ceiling Award
and Atlanta Magazine’s Women Making a Mark Award
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Kennesaw State professor honored by American Accounting Association as 2025 Presidential Scholar
“Under her leadership, Kennesaw State University is helping students find their passion and purpose to experience success,” Cobb Chamber leaders wrote about Schwaig following the organization’s 81st Annual Dinner on Jan
“She has placed focused attention on enrollment growth
Schwaig also relaunched a business incubator
HatchBridge welcomes innovators from throughout the community and offers access to courses
and networking all tailored to start-ups.”
Schwaig accepted the award from Britt Fleck
immediate past chair of the Chamber’s board of directors
“Kennesaw State and the Cobb County community are a symbiotic success story
contributing collectively to making this a great place to live and work for all of us,” Schwaig said
“I’m grateful and humbled to receive this award named for one of Cobb’s great public servants
and I share it with everyone in the KSU family.”
Henderson was a beloved and longtime Cobb County business and civic leader
who had served as chair of the Kennesaw State University Foundation among many roles during decades of public service
Henderson passed away last summer at the age of 94.
we recognize the importance that building a community has on student success,” Schwaig said
which is designed with many areas where students can meet and collaborate
is just one of the ways we are helping our students engage with each other and the campus at large
I’m proud that we can offer such an outstanding place where students can live and learn.”
Construction starting on Kennesaw State's newest residence hall
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strengthening commitment to student mental health
Kennesaw State celebration honors MLK's legacy
has served as KSU’s interim provost and vice president of academic affairs since July 2021
and served as interim vice president for enrollment services from January to October 2022
He was previously the dean of KSU’s College of the Arts.
“Ivan is an innovative academic who has strong ties to Kennesaw State and is deeply committed to building a culture of community and student success,” said Schwaig
and I look forward to continuing to work with him as we focus on the future of KSU.”
Pulinkala has led the development of a comprehensive ecosystem approach to student success
initiating a diagnostic evaluation by the National Institute for Student Success
facilitating the creation of data dashboards
and prioritizing the largest addition of new faculty lines in KSU history.
Pulinkala served as dean of the College of the Arts since 2018
the College of the Arts enrollment grew by 41%
national accreditation/reaccreditation was pursued across all four disciplinary units
and the first graduate degree in the College of the Arts was developed in the School of Art and Design
Pulinkala has raised millions of dollars for the arts at KSU
led the development of state-of-the-art facilities
He is credited with developing Georgia’s largest collegiate dance program at KSU
serving as director from 2005-2012 and as the chair of the Department of Dance from 2012-2018
KSU Dance has received national acclaim for Pulinkala’s choreographic scholarship that has been commissioned by professional and collegiate dance and theatre companies across the U.S.
Pulinkala holds the distinction of having his choreographic works selected by the American College Dance Association for three successive biennial national festivals at the Kennedy Center
“KSU is on an exciting trajectory of growth
excellence and national prominence thanks to our outstanding faculty
“I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve and advance a community that has nurtured my academic and artistic spirit for the past 17 years.”
Kennesaw State professor uses experience to inspire art students
A licensed psychologist who holds joint appointments in the Department of Psychological Science and the Interdisciplinary Studies Department
Donovan was selected for demonstrating sustained excellence and distinction in teaching
She has logged more than 17 years of service in various roles since arriving at Kennesaw State in August 2007
“Our honorees are not only passionate educators but also innovative and driven researchers
tireless in their commitment to service and the KSU community,” KSU President Kathy S
and diversity of talent and boast national and international recognition for their leadership and innovation in teaching
Donovan and each of our 2025 award recipients.”
Outstanding Professional Service and Community Engagement Award
Outstanding Scholarship and Creative Activity Award
Kennesaw State Wellstar-Phillips Elite Honors Nursing Scholars program sees first graduates
Donations to Kennesaw State's Giving Day double to more than $287,000
President Kathy Schwaig compared KSU students to a photo or work of art
with the University as a whole serving as the frame that supports and enhances it
“Every single one of our over 44,000 students is important
“Thank you for being a part of the structure
A part of the frame that makes this place a powerful force
A beautiful piece of art in our world today.”
respectfully and thoughtfully to celebrate and advance every part of our institutional ecosystem
as our success in the year ahead will greatly benefit from an integrated approach to our institution’s advancement,” Pulinkala said
“Research over time has clearly demonstrated that students who are engaged with their university tend to have higher retention and graduation rates than those who are not involved,” Arneson said
Director of Athletics Milton Overton thanked faculty and staff for their support of Kennesaw State’s student athletes and athletic programs
The sense of community on campus helps athletes thrive academically as well as athletically
“Somehow you all make a large campus feel like a small
our athletes and our recruits,” Overton said
Kennesaw State University had an economic impact of $1.84 billion on Georgia in fiscal year 2021
according to a University System of Georgia (USG) report released today.
Kennesaw State’s economic impact in FY 2021 marked an 11.6% increase from $1.65 billion the previous year
while the University System of Georgia’s economic impact grew by 3.8% over fiscal year 2020
The total impact of all 26 USG institutions on their local communities was $19.3 billion in FY 2021
The University’s personnel and operating expenses
combined with education-related spending by students
accounted for nearly $1.15 billion of its total FY 2021 economic impact
The remaining more than $650 million resulted from the institution
its employees and students purchasing goods and services in the community
“Kennesaw State has long had a strong economic impact within our region and the state of Georgia,” said Kathy Schwaig
enrollment and partnerships continue to grow
the communities served by our University will see expanded benefits as well.”
Kennesaw State’s collective employment impact in FY 2021 was 14,446 full- and part-time jobs – including 4,022 jobs on campus and 10,424 jobs off campus in either the private or public sectors
“USG institutions and the system as a whole are key contributors to our state and are an economic engine for communities in every region of Georgia,” USG Chancellor Sonny Perdue said
Brian Kemp and the General Assembly for their support of the University System and public higher education as we focus on increasing prosperity for the state and all Georgians.”
The University System’s measure of economic impact reflects direct and indirect spending that contributes to the regions served by its colleges and universities
The report evaluates economic impact in terms of output (sales
The annual USG study was conducted by the Selig Center for Economic Growth in the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business
which analyzed data collected between July 1
to calculate each school’s economic impact
Read the full USG economic impact report here
engineering students reimagine Asheville's devastated River Arts District
author recognized as versed local historian
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Kennesaw State University leaders have unveiled “Taking Flight,” a new strategic plan that embraces the institution’s status as an emerging top public research university
while expanding its impact through excellence in teaching
and community partnerships that benefit the region
“Kennesaw State has been on a path of transformation for years and we find ourselves at a very important time in our history,” Schwaig said
“We are having a bigger impact than ever before and
all of us will play a part in building an enduring reputation for excellence in how we teach and conduct research
Kennesaw State has grown from its founding as a junior college in 1963 to a university of more than 47,000 students
and this summer moved to Conference USA in athletics
The university is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2)
placing it among the top public research institutions in the U.S.
and has a more than $2 billion economic impact on the region and state
Included in the new strategic plan are updated mission and vision statements reflecting Kennesaw State’s values of respect
and serving as guides to achieving the plan’s goals.
Implementation of the strategic plan across KSU units and departments is the next step
Supported by the expertise of cabinet-led divisions
the initiatives will germinate in every academic
“Campus champions are ready to help steer our path
but this plan belongs to all of us.” Schwaig said
and aspirations helped craft our path forward and now
under the guidance of our campus champions
this community will collectively bring the strategic plan into reality through our work.”
As the third largest of the University System of Georgia’s 26 institutions
KSU’s strategic plan embraces the USG’s strategic priorities of boosting student success
“Together we will ensure that KSU grows in our prominence and that our name is synonymous with academic and operational excellence – and that a KSU degree has more and more value with each graduating class,” Schwaig said
“It is the commitment we make to each graduate who crosses this stage
and to the communities and state we so proudly serve
And it is a commitment we intend to keep as our reach grows.”
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Kennesaw State information technology student
Fulbright semifinalist chasing interest in cybersecurity
The appointment celebrates Swahn’s nearly three-decade career in public health
both in government and in higher education.
Siegel Distinguished Chair in Health and Wellness recognizes the leadership and record of intellectual achievement of the dean of the Wellstar College
The endowment provides the dean with invaluable support for research
and the College’s highest-priority initiatives and programs
The endowment comes from a $1 million donation from Debbie Pike
who made the donation along with partners in a restaurant group she helped found
A KSU Foundation trustee who was close friends with Betty Siegel
Pike said Swahn embodies Siegel’s desire to transform lives through education and advocacy
“That transformative philosophy connects Dr
Siegel with the Wellstar College of Health and Human Services
and serving the needs of our community,” Pike said
we are convinced that we will all benefit from world-class healthcare in the future
provided by KSU students and graduates.”
Swahn came to Kennesaw State in 2021 after serving as a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Population Health Sciences at Georgia State University
She previously served as the university’s associate vice president for research and as associate dean for research for the College of Health and Human Sciences
Swahn spent 10 years in several positions within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
including the Office of the Chief Science Officer
Swahn has continued her research on public health with ongoing projects in Kampala
studying mental health among adolescent girls and young women there
Swahn has said that people are the driving force in all she does
both as Wellstar College’s chief administrator and as a researcher
citing the collaborative nature between KSU leadership and faculty as a key point of the College’s success in the past two years
“This collaborative and caring culture is not something we can ever take for granted
and it’s something I treasure every day,” she said
and I have also been fortunate to put in place a terrific leadership team for our Wellstar College
But all of us share a vision for student success
which is so very powerful and makes KSU such a special place to serve.”
The investiture took place at a ceremony Thursday in the plaza at Prillaman Hall
faculty and staff of Wellstar College and the University
Women's History Month began in 1987 when Congress designated March as a time to recognize the contributions women have made over the course of U.S
Kathy “Kat” Schwaig began as interim president of Kennesaw State University in 2021
she served as the University’s provost and senior vice president for academic affairs
As provost, Schwaig prioritized efforts that supported student success, including increasing the number of faculty and advisors and eliminating roadblocks to graduation. She worked collaboratively with the campus community to grow the University’s undergraduate and graduate programs, while supporting the Office of Research’s efforts to expand faculty research across the academic colleges.
Schwaig previously served as the Dinos Eminent Scholar Chair of Entrepreneurial Management, as well as the dean of KSU’s Michael J. Coles College of Business
She has held several other leadership roles at KSU
and interim department chair for the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems
Schwaig joined the faculty at KSU in 2002 as an associate professor of information systems.
She previously served as a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Population Health Sciences at Georgia State University
and as associate vice president for research and associate dean for research for the College of Health and Human Sciences
including the Office of the Chief Science Officer.
Swahn was a Fulbright Scholar for the sub-Saharan HIV program in Uganda and previously served as the associate director for research for the Injury Prevention Research Center at Emory University
Her main research areas pertain to health risk behaviors and disparities among adolescents and young adults.
She has been involved in several research projects
including examining the role of alcohol policies in homicide and suicide in the U.S.
examining alcohol use and treatment outcomes for breast cancer among women in Nigeria
assessing the structural drivers of sexual violence perpetration among freshmen in Georgia
and developing a social norms campaign to reduce and delay underage drinking and alcohol-related HIV transmissions in East Africa.
Robin Cheramie has been dean of the Michael J
Cheramie worked with the faculty and staff to develop the school’s strategic plan and led the College’s successful reaccreditation with the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB)
she served as the director for the Michael A
and chair of the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship
where she led the development of the first BBA in Entrepreneurship in the University System of Georgia and initiated the development of the BBA in Hospitality Management
She joined Kennesaw State in 2004 as assistant professor of management and was named professor of management in 2015.
Cheramie has authored and co-authored papers in the Journal of Applied Psychology
and International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management.
examining aspects of violence against women
such as the long-term consequences of the violence; victim coping
resilience and decision-making; the history of Title IX and federal initiatives to address violence against college women; and the evaluation of campus-based prevention and intervention programs
The multiple grants she has received include more than $1 million from the U.S
Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women
to develop a multi-campus intervention and prevention program
Kaukinen twice has shared her expertise with the United Nations
most recently as a speaker for the U.N.’s Global Forum on Gender Statistics
She also collaborated with other experts to compile a report for the Council on Criminal Justice outlining the nation’s domestic violence trends during the COVID-19 pandemic
Siegel’s name will forever be synonymous with Kennesaw State University
From her signature red spectacles to the Dr
Siegel Student Recreation and Activities Center
Siegel left an indelible mark on the University
was Kennesaw State’s second president and the first woman to serve as a president in the University System of Georgia
When she arrived on campus in September of 1981
the institution was a small state college with an enrollment of 3,500 students
only a handful of buildings and no master’s programs
the University’s enrollment increased and the faculty and staff ranks grew
as did the number of degree programs and academic buildings
a 15-degree college had become a university with 55 undergraduate and graduate degrees and 18,000 students
Siegel’s desire to build campus traditions and to care about students outside the classroom was manifested in the creation of Kennesaw State’s first intercollegiate athletic teams in 1982
She once remarked that she wanted Kennesaw State to be a “university that matters
but how we teach people to live the good life
The University System of Georgia issued a press release announcing that Kennesaw State University interim president Kathy Schwaig is the sole finalist for the university presidency
Board of Regents Chairman Harold Reynolds and University System of Georgia (USG) Acting Chancellor Teresa MacCartney made the announcement
The Board of Regents will vote on the decision at a later date
The press release listed the following accomplishments of Schwaig during her interim presidency:
The press release gave the following further background on Schwaig’s career:
the University of South Carolina and Baylor University
an MBA in Information Systems from Baylor University
and a Master’s of Liberal Arts from Johns Hopkins University
presenter (photo courtesy of Cobb County) Porsha Winfrey
the coordinator of Cobb County’s Drug Treatment Court
Here are the 52 new businesses issued licenses by Cobb County on the week ending Friday
These are only licenses for businesses in unincorporated Cobb County
The following are scores for the past week for restaurants
and other food service facilities in Cobb County from the Georgia Department of Public Health
gasoline prices in Georgia showed little movement over the past week
Prices rose one cent to an average cost of $2.92 per gallon for regular…
The National Weather Service forecasts sunny skies here in Cobb County on Monday
Tonight it is expected to be mostly clear,…
The sculpture by College of the Arts alumna Mary Beck Pinkston permanently joins paintings and other art pieces from the Zuckerman Museum of Art’s collection that decorate the space outside the president’s office
“We proudly showcase KSU artists in Kennesaw Hall for all of our guests and visitors,” Schwaig said
something undeniably KSU that would greet each guest with a powerful symbol of Owl Nation
And I knew it had to be created by a KSU artist
Geo Sipp, School of Art and Design director
said the project was commissioned by Schwaig through the Master Craftsman program
As a student Pinkston worked on two of the program’s commissions
a leaf bicycle rack in Smith-Gilbert Gardens and a memorial bench in Kennesaw
She was just the artist to tackle the president’s request
“I am exceptionally proud of Mary Beck and the work she created for the fifth-floor suite at Kennesaw Hall,” Sipp said
“I did work for a few artists locally and considered working toward making art full-time
but when I saw the position open up at KSU I immediately knew I wanted to come back,” Pinkston said of her life after graduating
With Kennesaw State’s mascot being the illustrious owl
Pinkston’s inspiration for the piece was tied to the bird
so we decided to use sheet metal and created the owl using negative space
We ended up rolling out the wings and gave the talons some hook to make it more of a statement piece,” Pinkston said
The sculpture is made from pliable mild steel that’s been plasma cut and then finished with a Japanese brown patina achieved through oxidation that accentuates the details in the work
one person might see a powerful owl looking out toward Kennesaw Mountain
while another might perceive it as an owl coming to land at the home of the KSU Owls
and that’s what Pinkston wants people to do
they’re going to perceive it in their own way,” she said
“They're going to see what they need in that moment.”
Kennesaw State to revive bathtub race tradition with new video game
Like father, like daughter. Kathy Schwaig’s dad was a Baptist minister, a skilled orator behind the pulpit but a man who was quiet in everyday life. Schwaig readily admits that she too is a bit shy, yet she’s the first female dean of the Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University
the fifty-three-year-old is tasked with raising funds for the school and fostering community partnerships
Under her leadership, the business school has flourished, most recently with the introduction of two undergraduate development programs, the launch of the Women’s Leadership Institute
and a brand-new number twenty-two spot on Bloomberg’s prestigious business school rankings for the college’s part-time MBA program
Schwaig works on earning her master’s in liberal arts from Johns Hopkins (just for kicks); raises a young daughter
Mike; and serves on the boards of Alliance for Children Everywhere
“He was strong in character and conviction
Sabourin comes to Kennesaw State with more than 30 years of experience in the corporate and higher education sectors.
he served as vice president for communications and university relations at Louisiana State University (LSU)
where he oversaw marketing and communications for one of the nation’s largest public research universities.
“I am pleased to welcome Jim Sabourin to Kennesaw State,” said Schwaig
“Jim is a proven leader with extensive marketing and communications experience in both corporate and higher education
His unique perspective will provide important contributions to support and strengthen KSU’s reputation
I look forward to working with him to continue to raise the profile of this remarkable University.”
Sabourin served as vice president for corporate communications for Unum
a global Fortune 250 financial services provider based in Chattanooga
overseeing communications for the U.S.-based company and its European subsidiaries.
“I look forward to joining the leadership team at Kennesaw State and to helping carry out President Schwaig’s vision and strategic plan,” said Sabourin
“The University has an incredible story to tell and is positioned for continued success
Three members of Kennesaw State University’s faculty and staff and two students were presented the 2022 Presidential Diversity Awards recognizing their service and contributions toward creating a welcoming campus environment
The ninth annual awards ceremony was held on April 20 and hosted by the University’s Organizational Effectiveness, Leadership and Institutional Development.
As a part of the university’s Roadmap to R2 Success
Kennesaw State President Kathy Schwaig expanded the strategic goals of the institution to include a pillar focused on advancing community and culture
the pillar highlights the importance of nurturing a campus community that provides a sense of belonging and a broad marketplace of ideas.
“These awards provide us with an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of our faculty
staff and students who are working to on behalf of our campus community
and I am proud of each of our honorees and research fellows for their hard work and commitment,” said Schwaig
“By emphasizing the importance of building a diverse campus environment in our strategic plan and taking intentional steps to achieve it
we will better support our students and strengthen our community,”
Social Justice Award for Racial and Ethnic DiversitySydnee Goode
Pope Award of Distinction for Disability Strategies and ResourcesMary Margaret Cornwell
undergraduate support librarian and librarian assistant professor of library science
Joyce Award for Excellence for LGBTQ InitiativesOlivia Maley
Campus Awareness Resource and Empowerment (CARE) Services case manager
Paul Excellence in Sustainability for SustainabilityBritt Pickering
director of OwlSwap Sustainability Initiative
the University’s interim chief diversity officer
students and community partners that support the division’s mission to celebrate diversity
“The Division of Organizational Effectiveness
Leadership and Institutional Development seeks to foster a learning and work environment that promotes an understanding of
“We celebrate the wealth of diverse excellence that exists in our community and engage each other with respect as fellow humans.”
“Whether you’re a student or a high government official or anywhere in between
and you have an obligation to engage in your community responsibly,” Peterson said
“I don’t know a better place to really experiment with what that looks like than a university campus.”
Peterson spoke Wednesday as the keynote to Ethics Awareness Week
a week of events across the University System of Georgia highlighting USG institutions’ commitment to integrity
good judgment and a dedication to public service
“Ethics and professionalism are just words for how we treat each other
They’re words for how we act as responsible members in a community,” he said
Peterson said one of the chief characteristics of ethical conduct is civility.
“Civility means treating each person like a human being with inherent worth and dignity
even when we think them completely and horribly wrong about a really important issue,” Peterson said
“Civility isn’t a luxury reserved for situations with little at stake
To reject this idea to say that some issues are too important to treat our fellow humans as all having inherent worth and dignity is to reduce people to merely a means to an end.”
Peterson spoke in the University Rooms of the Carmichael Student Center and was introduced by President Kathy Schwaig.
– By Thomas HartwellPhotos by Judith Pishnery
budget analyst in the Office of Fiscal Services
received the Outstanding Owl Award on Wednesday during Kennesaw State’s annual staff awards luncheon
The award is considered one that encompasses most of KSU staff’s mission
She was recognized by her supervisors and peers as a go-to resource who goes to extraordinary lengths to make others feel valued and help them understand how the fiscal services office supports the University’s mission and vision
She was one of five staff members who received awards at the event
from areas of the University including academic advising
“Our staff are central to carrying out the mission of this institution
and we are profoundly grateful to them and appreciate their passion and dedication to our students and the University,” said Kennesaw State President Kathy Schwaig
“I also want to thank the KSU Foundation for their generous support of these awards
Congratulations to all of our honorees.”
and I love the people I work with,” she said
The awards process is managed by KSU’s Human Resources department
Nominations are submitted by supervisors and staff members and reviewed by a committee composed of representatives from across the University
“School starts tomorrow so having all these activities makes us feel more welcome and at home,” Cabrera said
“Whoever came up with this idea definitely knew what they were doing.”
Cabrera’s words reflect the purpose behind events like SplashBash
which followed First-Year Convocation and preceded the annual First Day of School Cake events on Monday
Getting and keeping students engaged in the campus community through activities improves their chances of success inside and outside the classroom
The freshman class this year includes the second cohort of the FLIGHT program
which began in 2022 as a way of building a community of students throughout their time at KSU
The FLIGHT27 students – named by their year of potential graduation – began their collective journey during orientation sessions this summer and will have opportunities during the next four years to come together in special events on campus
we all have the opportunity to be a part of the process of helping students shape and build their lives,” Schwaig said
“We must be sure we have an integrated student success network that helps us address student progression as well as student experience
We must be more deliberate in our work to engage and support students and ensure that they are on a path to graduate in four years.”
KSU’s Division of Student Affairs launched the FLIGHT program as an effort to nurture a community of incoming freshmen by providing a system of connection and support at the beginning and lasting throughout their college experience
“This is a long-term strategy to create an identity where every student in that class knows they’re part of a team
“Our university is committed to student retention and graduation
and we know that students who are engaged with their school tend to stay; students who are not
New students this year received a special FLIGHT27 jersey during orientation
Each FLIGHT cohort has a class dean – this year’s FLIGHT27 dean is Ronald Briggs
associate vice president of student affairs and dean of students – to help keep the group connected to resources they need
said they enjoy their connections to their classmates
“The home that I created in the 10 months that I lived on campus
whether it was with FLIGHT26 or it was through Kennesaw State
made my first year a positive and welcoming experience,” Soto said
Sunday’s events were the first opportunities for FLIGHT27 to gather as a class.
They heard from students like Student Government Association president Zae Brewer and senior media and entertainment major Gabrielle Jones about their experiences
They learned the school fight song and met Owls head football coach Brian Bohannon
“All this stuff to get us to know other people is great
and I just started talking to a couple of people outside the Convocation Center
So we exchanged phone numbers and made plans to hang out later this week.”
Another tradition to foster community among all students happened on the first day of classes on Monday
Hundreds thronged the Campus Green in Kennesaw and the student center on the Marietta Campus for their turn to stuff a plush owl and grab a slice of KSU’s traditional First Day of School Cake
especially for those of us who might not be used to the environment or the campus
first-year students Makayla Culpepper and Arianna O’Neal enjoyed relief from the August heat in the shade and said they had enjoyed exploring campus and attended community building events since moving in last week
“We went from being isolated to being able to go out and find like-minded individuals
who you might have just walked past before
because of these events that KSU provides every year to try to get people to build connections,” she said
Kennesaw State students immersed in the work of the Georgia General Assembly
Cruz said he has thrived under the rigorous combination of classes in the Wellstar College of Health and Human Services and KSU Journey Honors College
and couldn’t have imagined a better start to his college career
along with Tom Phillips and Wellstar Health System President and CEO Candice L
recently celebrated Cruz and the other scholarship recipients at a reception
a key part of our mission is to prepare students to meet critical needs in their communities
dedicated nurses are among the most important resources in the healthcare field and always in demand,” Kennesaw State President Kat Schwaig said
“I’m excited and honored to have the support of Tom Phillips and Wellstar Health System – together we are impacting our students
our community and our world for the better.”
The $5 million scholarship endowment is a joint venture between Kennesaw State’s Wellstar College
an emeritus member of the Wellstar Health System Board of Trustees
This scholarship is the most recent gift to the University from the Phillips
Tom Phillips and his late wife Betty established the Tom and Betty Phillips Endowed Scholarship to benefit both graduate and undergraduate students in KSU’s Wellstar College of Health and Human Services
“It’s gratifying to finally meet the students benefiting from this scholarship,” said Phillips
“You’re the first class of this program and you’re starting a legacy that will perpetuate and get stronger as time goes on.”
“We are incredibly proud of our longstanding partnership with Kennesaw State University and our shared commitment to training qualified
compassionate nurses,” said Wellstar president and CEO
we are transforming the landscape of healthcare by inspiring and training the next generation of world-class nurses.”
the National Institutes of Health awarded KSU and Wellstar a grant to jointly address the bioethical issues faced by individuals experiencing social and/or economic hardships when trying to manage their healthcare needs
Wellstar gifted nearly $9 million to the nursing school to double the nursing program’s enrollment and address the state of Georgia’s nursing shortage
Cruz said he and his fellow students have reaped the benefits of both Honors and nursing
“Everyone around us has helped us stay on the right path to becoming nurses
and we’re all learning together and becoming closer,” Cruz said
we’ll approach each day with a positive attitude and a passion for our work
We’re all grateful beyond measure and we promise to make you proud.”
Photo above: President Kathy Schwaig and Georgia Travis at the event honoring the late Rev
first appeared on the Kennesaw State University website
Excited gasps punctuated a Saturday afternoon in Kennesaw State University’s Engineering Technology Center as a crowd gathered around the unveiling of a new
The unveiling took place during the second annual Hornets Homecoming
an event hosted by the Southern Polytechnic State University (SPSU) Alumni Society honoring those who graduated from the institution
Replacing the traditional gold and black colors of Kennesaw State
SPSU’s green and white colors decked the halls
Travis and to share in this moment with his family and friends
It means so much to unveil this exhibit to someone who was a dear friend to so many and an inspiration to all,” Schwaig said. “This tribute honors the legacy of an academic
and of someone who had a tremendous impact on our community.”
Travis served as the first African American chief academic officer of SPSU from 1982 to 1998
he was the senior pastor of Zion Baptist Church in Marietta
The exhibit, titled “All Joy,” was curated by Catherine Lewis, associate vice provost in the Department of Museums, Archives and Rare Books
It consists of four large panels containing personal pictures from Travis’ life
and it details the important role he played in the history of Kennesaw State and the community
Travis played an important part in helping grow SPSU
and his leadership came at a critical time in the university’s history,” Lewis said
“We’re so pleased to unveil this exhibit about his life and legacy to help inspire our next generation of leaders.”
Family and friends came from all over for the special occasion including one of Travis’ daughters
“I’m just overjoyed and in awe,” Gilbert said
and he always wanted to share his faith and his knowledge
I’m so proud of his legacy and of this tribute to him.”
The decision to unveil the tribute at the Hornets Homecoming was to further drive home the importance of the role that SPSU plays in the history of Kennesaw State as a whole
associate director of alumni and constituent engagement
said weeks of planning went into the event
“The legacy of SPSU matters to us and it matters to them that they’re recognized,” Long said
“The Marietta Campus will always be their campus and where they got their degree
Seeing their faces as they reminisce makes all the planning worth it.”
said her father would have been beside himself to see the turnout to celebrate the history of SPSU as well as of those celebrating his extraordinary life and service
“He would be so happy that you even thought of him
and to be recognized for all areas of his life is so special
He would be so thrilled to see that his legacy was seen as important.”
At a ceremony of remembrance on Friday on the Kennesaw State University campus
retired FBI agent Gina Young said she knows many who heard her harrowing story of working at the site of the World Trade Center and seeing the twin towers fall on Sept
“I hope my story says to them to appreciate everyone
work with everyone and remember we’re all one people,” Young said following her remarks to an audience of more than 200
“We don’t forget the emotions of that day – shock
as well as a profound sense of loss for those who were killed,” Schwaig said
The attacks also brought citizens together
“There were large numbers of everyday citizens asking questions like ‘What can I do to help my neighbor?’ ‘What can I do to help those who are hurting?’ ‘What can I do to help our nation?’” Schwaig said
I try to learn more about it,” said Larson Covington
but I’ve learned more on the anniversaries every year from articles and documentaries.”
Freshman Jordan Winfrey said he doesn’t remember the attacks but has learned a lot about them
Kennesaw State is continuing 9-11 observations with a concert at 8 p.m
Saturday at Morgan Hall in the Bailey Performance Center on the Kennesaw Campus
The concert features the Kennesaw State Chamber Singers
and a solo performance of “Amazing Grace” by internationally known violinist and KSU music professor Helen Kim
Wright joined fellow first-year students at the University’s Convocation Center for the annual ceremony that officially begins students’ academic journey at KSU
He is one of more than 8,700 first-year students Kennesaw State is welcoming for the fall 2021 semester
(See the chart below for more about KSU’s Class of 2025.)
“It’s nice to be able to come to this event, to meet new people and have some fun,” said Wright, who is from Columbus, Ga., and plans to major in sport management
and I congratulate you on becoming a part of the Owl family,” Schwaig said
“You will learn the things that will help you build a career and improve the lives of others through your education and innovation
and you will benefit from a network of talented students and alumni along the way
I look forward to seeing what all of you accomplish.”
KSU senior and Student Government Association (SGA) president Amani Johnson followed Schwaig at the podium and advised the first-year students that “your time here really is what you make it.” Johnson came to Kennesaw State as a scholarship student-athlete on the women’s basketball team
then expanded her experiences by joining a sorority and joining the SGA
“I never thought I would be in this position or even be the person I am today
and I hope you all find something to get involved in so you can see what KSU can do for you.”
Each student attending Convocation received a KSU pin to “wear with pride as a new member of Owl Nation,” explained Interim Provost Ivan Pulinkala
The students also stood and recited the Owl Creed
a commitment to academic excellence and personal integrity that every member of the Kennesaw State community is expected to follow
the Convocation ceremony had a festive atmosphere
with the first-year students posing for photos with the University’s mascot Scrappy the Owl and being led by the KSU cheerleaders in singing the fight song
They also learned an Owl’s signature chant
as students on the two sides of the Convocation Center stands alternated in yelling
“College is the start of a new chapter in life, and I know that could be very scary, so I feel like having these events can bring people out of their shell,” said Lindsey Branche, a first-year student from Covington planning to major in nursing
“Everybody has been very nice and welcoming.”
“We are excited to see our online MBA program recognized as a Top 20 program in the nation,” said Kathy Schwaig
“The ranking reflects the outstanding achievements of our committed students
Coles College remains on the forefront of management education by providing a high-quality MBA experience in a learning format that is accessible to working business professionals.”
Other Kennesaw State programs ranked in the top 100 by U.S
Other KSU programs recognized by the publication include the Master of Science in Nursing
eight master’s degree programs in education
and the University’s online bachelor’s degree programs
“Being named in these rankings is an honor for Kennesaw State,” said Elke Leeds
associate vice president for technology enhanced learning at KSU
“It signals our strength in providing students – across many disciplines – with exceptional approaches to academic learning and affirms our commitment to deliver top-quality online degree programs in innovative ways.”
News & World Report rankings assess degree-granting programs that offer 100-percent online classes
more than 7,000 students take online courses each year
specialist and doctoral degrees without ever coming to campus
KSU offers 20 fully online master’s degree programs
four specialist degree programs and two doctoral programs
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As Preston Art Glass nears its 30-year anniversary
Jacob Preston is following in his father's footsteps by making
LOUIS — The new stained-glass window in Rick Roth’s kitchen reminds him of his mother
It catches the morning sun and casts a prism onto the counter
“It just brings in such amazing light,” said Roth
In St. Louis — awash with churches that boast intricate, technicolor panels — the market for stained glass is self-perpetuating
City dwellers who want to hang onto the character of their old brick bungalows call about repair work
commissioning a stained-glass window ensures that at least one feature in their house isn’t mass-produced
“The Midwest is a hot spot for stained glass,” said Jacob Preston, co-owner of Preston Art Glass in Midtown
Elias Preston removes a piece of stained glass from the original lead lines and places it in a design with other removed pieces at Preston Art Glass in St
Elias and his brother Jacob are second generation owners of the studio
A rush that was stirred during the pandemic has barely subsided
And with inflation sending the cost of run-of-the-mill window installation skyward
a stained-glass investment — usually starting at several hundred dollars — doesn’t feel like that much of a bigger bite
The art form dates back hundreds of years. During the building boom at the turn of the 20th century, stained-glass windows became a common element in homes and places of worship
Louis in the 1890s after designing the windows for St
His descendants still run a studio in Kirkwood
Residential stained glass cratered during the Great Depression and World War II but bounced back by the early 1970s
who had been a housepainter and cabinetmaker
Now Jacob Preston runs the shop with his mom and older brother
Jacob Preston uses solder to secure a new piece of glass while repairing a stained glass window at Preston Art Glass in St
“It was all learning on the job,” Preston said
clients come to him with their design in mind
the dining room windows in his staid Skinker-DeBaliviere duplex had been stained glass
but those were long gone by the time he purchased the property in the 1980s
he thought about what a remodel could look like
He and his wife liked the idea of bright flowers
They’d need six pieces in all: the main picture window; a smaller one above it; and a double-hung window on each side
but provided a huge upgrade from their former view: their neighbor’s brick wall
Now they see glinting petals and glowing leaves winking at them in blues
I could not walk through the room without stopping,” said Dowgwillo
Jacob Preston completes a stained glass repair after replacing sections of broken glass while working at Preston Art Glass in St
Chris Cosby has been enamored with stained glass since he was a teenager a half century ago. He founded Cosby Art Glass Co. in Webster Groves in 1978
His brother Tim joined him a few years later
shag carpeting and wicker furniture have disappeared from homes
But stained-glass accents have toed the line between modern and traditional
it really hasn’t gone out of style,” Cosby said
And his enthusiasm for the craft has not waned
“It gives me a real thrill to see the finished pieces.”
it’s nice to have something that means something,” he said
“It means more than something you could buy off the shelf.”
Louis County drove by Cosby’s shop one day a few years ago and stopped in for a look
he’s been transforming his house in Oakville
with pieces that hearken back to his childhood home near Soulard
Cosby recently finished his fourth job for Steinkamp
who wanted the window in his front door to look the way he feels when he is hiking along a riverbank
Purple wisteria runs along the top; blue waves lap at the button
Fish and grasshoppers and woodland creatures peek out
“It’s one of my life splurges,” Steinkamp said
“I still find myself seeing something I’ve never seen before.”
John Schwaig came to stained glass as a second career after spending 14 years as a Catholic priest
The house he bought after he left the priesthood was in Lafayette Square and had a stunner of a window
he discovered the previous owners had taken it with them
“That negative became a great positive,” he said
Rather than enlist someone to replace it, Schwaig decided to learn the trade himself. A couple years later, in 2007, he opened Schwaig Art Glass Works
He has been hired to engineer everything from suncatchers to church ceilings to sconces at the Fox Theatre
Schwaig relocated to Clifton Heights and built a workshop in his basement
The backroom is a library of glass in every color and shade
Buckets hold lengths of zinc flange for borders and pieces of rebar
“I never throw anything away,” Schwaig said
Each job starts with a pattern sketched on paper
Schwaig lays the glass over the draft and rolls a scorer across
He can snap the pieces along the groove — “like a cracker,” he said
A curved tool called a grozier crimps off any jagged bits
Then Schwaig roughs up the edges so the copper-foil tape will stick
He paints over the foil with a thin layer of flux
The soldering iron swelters at 900 degrees
When Schwaig touches it to the end of the wire spool
he lays down a gleaming silver seam — part tin
Schwaig brushes on a patina and then gives the whole thing a sponge bath
The window goes back to the workbench one last time for a coating of Formula 1 carnauba car wax
The care that Schwaig takes is what sold Emily Robinson on him
Robinson moved into a turn-of-the-20th-century University City home
The art-glass windows in the entryway were barely hanging on
“We’re trying to be very intentional about repairing the house,” said Robinson
Robinson felt like her house had gotten a facelift
Louis needs these artisans to preserve our glass.”
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