Kennesaw State University’s impact across Georgia is reflected in Georgia Trend magazine’s 2026 edition of the Georgia 500, an annual compilation of the state’s most influential business, education, community and political leaders. President Kathy S. Schwaig heads a distinguished group of KSU-affiliated leaders included on this year’s list.

Schwaig has been recognized in in every edition of the Georgia 500 since the list debuted in 2022, marking her fifth consecutive appearance. Joining her on this year’s list are KSU Foundation Immediate Past Chair Theodore “Teddy” Parrish ’95, Foundation Trustees Randy Koporc and Tracy Styf, President’s Community Advisory Board member Sharon Mason, and alumni Bert Wesley Huffman ’06, Gregory D. Teague ’96 and Albert G. Edwards ’94.

“This recognition reflects the tremendous work happening at Kennesaw State and the people who bring our mission to life every day,” Schwaig said. “Through their dedication and accomplishments, KSU’s faculty, staff, students, alumni and supporters are helping shape the University’s growing reputation and making a meaningful difference throughout Georgia. I am proud to see so many members of the Kennesaw State community represented among the state’s influential leaders and grateful to share this recognition with them.”

Touting Schwaig’s leadership as the sixth president of Kennesaw State University, Georgia Trend described KSU as “an emerging top public research institution.” Under Schwaig’s leadership, KSU launched Taking Flight, a strategic plan aimed at achieving national prominence and institutional excellence.

Kennesaw State has expanded its academic portfolio, adding 50 new undergraduate and graduate degrees and minors, as well as professional programs and credentials in high demand fields. KSU also made significant investments in infrastructure and facilities, including nearly 20 capital projects that have enhanced both campuses.

During Schwaig’s tenure, Kennesaw State joined the Georgia Research Alliance, nearly tripled research spending, successfully achieved Carnegie-designated Doctoral Research Institution status, and opened its first major research facility, the Robin and Doug Shore Innovation Center. Schwaig served in a range of KSU leadership roles prior to being named president in 2022, including dean of the Michael J. Coles College of Business, and provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.

Schwaig is among a select group of 35 education leaders statewide recognized in Georgia Trend’s 2026 Georgia 500. The inclusion of KSU Foundation trustees and alumni on the list further demonstrates the University’s influence and impact across Georgia.

Parrish, the founder of Parrish Capital, is a Kennesaw State alumnus as well as a Board of Trustees executive committee member, currently serving as immediate past chair.

Also representing the KSU Foundation on the Georgia 500 are Styf, the executive director of the Town Center Community Improvement District, and Koporc, regional president of Fifth Third Bank.

Like Parrish, Huffman is a Kennesaw State alumnus, while Edwards and Teague both graduated from Southern Polytechnic State University. Huffman is the CEO of Georgia Public Broadcasting, Edwards is the founder and CEO of Corporate Environmental Risk Management, and Teague is CEO of Croy Engineering.