ADVANCING ECONOMIC MOBILITY 2024-2025
COLES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ANNUAL REPORT
ADVANCING ECONOMIC MOBILITY
We expand opportunity by preparing students for upwardly mobile careers, supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses, and producing research that in- forms long-term economic growth.
“Students start to see
how ideas translate into action and where they fit.”
FROM CLASSROOM TO CAREER
At the Michael J. Coles College of Business, students are learning how to step into real work with confidence. That happens in classrooms, but just as often it happens through projects, internships, and conversations with people already doing the work. Over time, those experiences begin to connect. Students start to see how ideas translate into action and where they fit. For many, that clarity leads to tangible outcomes, including stronger career opportunities and greater confidence in their next step. Across the College, that approach shapes everything we do. It strengthens businesses, supports communities, and creates more pathways for people to move forward. At its core, that is how we think about advancing economic mobility.
ADVANCING ECONOMIC MOBILITY
COLES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ANNUAL REPORT
SNAPSHOT OF IMPACT
DEAN’S MESSAGE
How Coles delivered on its commitment to advancing economic mobility during the 2024-2025 academic year.
STUDENTS
700+ internships completed
75% of Coles graduates report a positive career outcome (based on most recent survey, 2023)
38% first generation college students
PROGRAMS & SCALE
We see that play out every day in our students. It shows up in the way they take on new challenges, in the confidence they build over time, and in the paths they be - gin to create for themselves. Our role is not just to prepare them academically. It is to help them develop the judgment, perspective, and support they will need long after they leave campus. This past year reflects steady progress across the College. Students are gaining more direct exposure to industry, whether through internships, competitions, or conversations with business leaders. Faculty continue to produce research that informs real decisions and contributes to important discussions beyond the University. At the same time, our programs are evolving to keep pace with a changing business environment. We are also expanding how we support entrepreneurship. Small businesses create real opportunity, and we are investing in that directly with programs designed to meet people at every stage of the entrepreneurial journey. Through our partner- ships, we are helping turn ideas into action. What stands out most is how these efforts connect. Teaching, research, and engagement are not happening in isolation. They reinforce one another. That alignment allows us to extend our impact beyond campus and contribute to the long-term health of the communities we serve. We are proud of where we are and clear about where we are going. With a strong foundation and a shared sense of purpose, the Coles College of Business is well positioned to continue expanding opportunities for our students, our partners, and our communities. At the Coles College of Business, we believe business education should open doors.
21% increase in degrees conferred year-over-year
8 graduate business programs 10 undergraduate majors
119 A and A+ journal publications (+25% growth)
RESEARCH
COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC IMPACT
$73M in capital support in 2025 from Small Business Development Center
$145,000 in seed funding awarded to student and alumni businesses by the Shore Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center during 2024-2025
RECOGNITION
#1 EMBA in Georgia for the 9th year in a row by CEO Magazine
#1 WebMBA in Georgia by US News and World Report
ROBIN CHERAMIE | Dean, Coles College of Business
ADVANCING ECONOMIC MOBILITY
COLES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ANNUAL REPORT
PREPARING STUDENTS TO THRIVE
Among the presenters in this year’s Tetley Distinguished Leader Lecture Series was Rick Bennett , co-founder of CPA firm Bennett-Thrasher
2,777 Coles College students attended career fairs
Twenty-four students competed in the 3rd annual TK Elevator Pitch Competition , which gave them 60 seconds each to sell their personal brands while traveling 420 feet straight up in Atlanta’s fastest elevator. The finalists later presented directly to TK Elevator executives.
Learning By DOING
From EXPERIENCE to OUTCOMES
$84,789 Average first salary of Coles College graduates
Preparing students for meaningful careers is at the center of the Coles College of Business. That preparation goes beyond coursework. Students are given opportunities to apply what they are learning in environments where expectations are high, and outcomes matter. Through those experiences, students build both skills and confidence. That matters especially for the 38% of Coles students who are the first in their fam - ilies to earn a college degree; for them, these experiences are often the first step toward a career path that wasn’t previously visible. At the center of this approach are programs like the Student Managed Investment Fund. Students are responsible for managing real investment portfolios while working alongside industry mentors. They make decisions, see the outcomes, and adjust. It is a level of accountability that changes how they learn. Many students leave the program with internships or job offers already in place, and the team’s recent win at the CFA Research Challenge Southern Classic reflects the strength of that preparation. Students are also challenged through competitions that mirror real business situa- tions. In events like the Future of Payments Pitch Competition and the TK Elevator Sales Competition, they present ideas, respond to feedback, and think on their feet. These experiences prepare them for high-stakes environments where there is not always a clear answer.
Exposure to industry is a defining part of the student experience. In market - ing and sales alone, more than 120 guest speakers visited classrooms this year, giving students insight into how decisions are made and what different career paths actually look like. Programs like the Tetley Distinguished Speaker Series bring senior leaders into the conversation, giving students a chance to hear directly from people operating at the highest levels. These experiences lead to strong outcomes. According to the College’s most recent career outcomes survey (2023), 75% of graduates report a positive career outcome, reflecting the real-world value of a Coles degree. In the Master of Accounting program, 95% of students passed at least one section of the CPA exam during the program year, the highest rate to date. Across the College, students completed more than 700 credit-bearing internships, gaining experience that helps them step into the workforce with a clearer sense of direction. Just as important are the relationships built along the way. Faculty, mentors, and peers all play a role in helping students grow. Those relationships often continue well beyond graduation and shape the opportunities that follow. These experiences prepare students not just to get started, but to continue growing as their careers take shape and evolve. “Exposure to industry is a defining part of the student experience.”
36% increase in experiential learning courses YoY
68.5% of Coles College
graduates completed internships/co-ops
ADVANCING ECONOMIC MOBILITY
COLES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ANNUAL REPORT
RESEARCH & THOUGHT LEADERSHIP THAT ADVANCES SOCIETY Research That INFORMS PRACTICE
Research at the Coles College of Business is ground - ed in producing results that answer real questions businesses have and solve real challenges they face. In 2024-2025, faculty published 119 articles in A and A+ journals, a 25% increase from the previous year. This output reflects not only the sheer volume of research conducted by Coles College faculty, but also its value to the business community. For example, in a time when many businesses are turning to artificial intelligence to automate and streamline processes, Information Systems Pro- fessor Reza Vaezi published a study in Journal of Service Research on the future of empathic AI, examining the implications for customer service. Another article, published by Accounting Profes- sor Dana Hermanson in Professional Ethics and Values , outlined five key practices businesses can implement to reduce their likelihood of being victimized by fraud. Some research conducted this academic year had a direct impact on business success. The College won a grant to partner with audit recovery firm CPRS on a study that leveraged machine learning tools to identify duplicate payments and erroneous transactions more effectively than traditional audit methods. The faculty research conducted during the 2024- 2025 academic year continues the Coles College’s dedication to seeking a greater understanding of the theories driving the modern business commu- nity, while not overlooking the importance of pro- ducing knowledge that businesses can use today.
119 A+/A Publications (+25%)
Finance sophomore Celina Duong partnered with Hospitality Professor Melih Madanoglu to study public-to-private shifts in the restaurant industry.
Research in Action
Faculty are not alone in conducting valuable business research. Students receive countless op- portunities each year to make their own scholarly contribution. At the College’s annual Research Symposium on Homeland Security, academics from across the country share research on defending against natural disasters, cybercrime, terrorism, and other threats. At the Fall 2024 symposium, Master of Science in Healthcare Management and In- formatics student Maranie Brown presented her research on defending against cyberattacks. Initiatives like the Summer Undergraduate Research Program also allow students to devel -
op their research skills. Finance sophomore Celina Duong participated in this program, collaborating with Hospitality Professor Melih Madanoglu to study public-to-private shifts in the restaurant industry. The Coles College is also creating more opportunities to encourage student research. This year, the Ph.D. in Business Administration launched a new concentration in Risk and De - cision Analytics, which will strengthen the College’s research culture. Meanwhile, beginning Fall 2025, the College will begin hosting annual undergraduate research symposiums. By promoting student-driven research at the undergraduate and graduate levels, the Coles College prepares students to develop their curiosity and promote innovation and change in their future careers.
“Producing knowledge that businesses use today”
ADVANCING ECONOMIC MOBILITY
COLES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ANNUAL REPORT
Combined, Kennesaw State University and the Coles College’s entrepreneurship efforts provide a continuum of support, from early-stage ideas to established businesses, creating multiple pathways to economic opportunity. Since 2020, the Shore Entrepreneurship and Innova - tion Center has provided more than $400,000 in seed funding and launched nearly 50 student and alumni-led businesses, demonstrating the tangible impact of this work. These efforts have also supported the development of hundreds of new ventures through coaching, mentorship, and early-stage funding.
One example is HappyDoc, an artificial intelligence- powered medical scribe designed for veterinarians. The company received early support from the Shore Center through seed funding and mentorship, helping bring the idea to life. It later raised more than $2.2 million in outside investment and is now used by veterinarians across the country, streamlining clinical workflows and reducing administrative burden. It is a clear example of how early access to resources and guidance can help accelerate growth. The College is also expanding access through programs like
INDUSTRY, COMMUNITY & SOCIETAL IMPACT A CONNECTED Ecosystem
The work of the Coles College of Business extends well beyond the classroom. Through partnerships with industry and engagement with the broader community, the College is helping create pathways to opportunity while supporting the growth of businesses across the region. Entrepreneurship is a central part of that effort. This work is supported by a connected ecosystem of centers and programs, including the Robin and Doug Shore Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center, the Small Business Development Center, the Family Enterprise Center, the Aspiring Community Entrepreneurs (ACE) Program, the up - coming STRIVE initiative, and collaboration with Kennesaw State’s HatchBridge Incubator. Each of the University’s entrepreneurial initiatives targets a specific segment of the population, ensuring anyone with an idea they want to bring to market has a resource available that provides expert consultation, business education, seed funding, workspace, and more.
Turning Ideas Into IMPACT
THE ENTREPRENEURS WE SERVE
Alumnus Emerson Smith received early support from the Shore En - trepreneurship and Innovation Center to launch veterinary AI company HappyDoc. He later raised an additional $2 million in funding.
(KSU STUDENTS/ RECENT ALUMNI) SHORE CENTER
SBDC
ACE
STRIVE, which launches in Fall 2025 and supports veterans and military family members interested in entrepreneurship. Participants will receive hands-on training, guidance, and access to networks that help them move forward with con- fidence. Meanwhile, the ACE program, launched in 2023 in partnership with Must Ministries and the University of Notre Dame’s Urban Poverty Business Initiative, focus specifical - ly on expanding access to entrepreneurship for individuals who have faced barriers to opportunity, creating pathways to economic mobility through business ownership. For many participants, these programs create opportunities where none existed before. Outside the Coles College, KSU’s Hatchbridge Incubator empowers entrepreneurs among the faculty and local community, offering education, funding opportunities, and workspace. Support for existing businesses is just as important. The Small Business Development Center has served many local business owners through consulting and education this past year, and facilitated $73 million in capital support: a direct in- vestment in the economic health of the region. Students are part of this work as well. Through consulting projects and applied coursework, they engage directly with businesses and organizations, gaining experience while con - tributing to solving real challenges. For instance, the College’s student-run marketing firm, Ground Work Agency, began ad -
vising clients in Spring 2024. That summer, they worked with KSU’s Industrial Assessment Center to develop a marketing campaign for an upcoming event. These efforts are strengthened by partnerships that ex- tend beyond the region. Programs like the Japan Georgia Futures Forum and the Joel A. Katz Music and Entertainment Business program’s London program connect students to industry networks and global perspectives that expand career pathways. The result is a model where education, entrepreneurship, and community engagement work together to expand opportu- nity and drive long-term economic growth. Students also play a large role in the success of the ACE program. Each year, a course in the undergraduate entre - preneurship program has students working alongside the community entrepreneurs for an entire semester. The stu- dents help develop the participants’ business plans, build marketing materials, and more. The result of the Coles College’s commitment to encourag- ing entrepreneurship in the classroom and in the communi- ty is a model where students, educators, and entrepreneurs work together to expand opportunity and drive long-term economic growth.
(ATLANTA SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS)
(UNDERREPRESENTED ENTREPRENEURS)
STRIVE
(KSU FACULTY, ALUMNI, ATLANTA COMMUNITY) HATCHBRIDGE
(MILITARY VETERANS)
“Creating multiple pathways to economic opportunity”
ADVANCING ECONOMIC MOBILITY
COLES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ANNUAL REPORT
STRATEGIC GROWTH & STEWARDSHIP
Preparing for What’s Next
Initiatives like the student-led Coles Fintech and Payments Club and partnerships with industry lead- ers like Ingenico create opportunities for students that connect classroom learning to a rapidly evolving sector. At the undergraduate level, changes to the core busi- ness curriculum are underway. The goal is to strengthen foundational knowledge while granting students the chance to apply what they learn in meaningful ways. As part of the initiative, each Coles College academic pro- gram will require all students to complete a project where they engage with real partners. This program, which will help ensure students graduate from the Coles College with real-world experience, is expected to launch in 2026. The College is also investing in people and partnerships that sustain this growth. New faculty and staff roles focused on corporate engagement, graduate programs, and data and accreditation are strengthening indus- try connections. Meanwhile, a new collaboration with Fukuoka University in Japan opens doors for both educa - tion and research exchange, giving students and faculty exposure to different markets and perspectives. Through- out it all, stewardship remains a priority and ensures the College’s growth translates into meaningful outcomes for students and the communities they will go on to serve. with strong industry engagement shaping the student experience. The Master’s in Digital Financial Technologies (Fintech) program continues to grow as a strategic area of focus,
KSU Fintech students interact with J.C. Titus , Vice President of Software Delivery at Ingenico, a leading fintech firm.
Growing with Purpose Evolving Graduate Programs
In 2025, for the first time ever, enrollment at the Coles College of Business surpassed 10,000 students. As enrollment climbs year over year, it’s important to remember that growth at the Coles College of Business is always intentional. Programs are being updated, partnerships are expand- ing, and resources are being directed toward areas where they can have the greatest impact on students and the communities the College serves.
Across graduate programs, recent updates reflect a deliberate focus on the intersection of business and technology. A new doctoral concentration in Risk and Decision Analytics is building research capacity in an area of grow- ing importance. The MSIS program is evolving into the Master of Science in Technology Management and Lead- ership (MSTML), set to launch in 2026 with a stronger emphasis on leading technology-driven organizations. In the Executive MBA program, a new Generative AI for Business certificate will give professionals a practical way to understand and apply emerging tools in their work. Meanwhile, the Evening MBA program has partnered with the Digital Marketing Institute to offer an industry- recognized Certified Digital Marketing Associate creden - tial as part of its curriculum. In Spring 2025, the Master of Science in Healthcare Management and Informatics Program recognized its incoming 10th cohort by hosting a large industry conference – The Digital Healthcare Transformations Sum- mit – at the St. Regis Hotel in Atlanta. Current students, alumni, and industry partners from across the coun- try attended the summit to share insights on the rising presence of digital technology in healthcare delivery.
The agreement between Fukuoka University and Kennesaw State University will see Japanese students take fintech courses on the KSU campus, with KSU students traveling to Japan shortly after.
ENROLLMENT GROWTH
+2.82% (2024-2025)
Coles enrollment surpassed 10,000 students for the first time.
STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS FINTECH | AI | TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP
ADVANCING ECONOMIC MOBILITY
COLES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ANNUAL REPORT
EXPANDING INFLUENCE & NATIONAL PROMINENCE
Rankings and Distinctions
The Coles College of Business is earning national recognition in areas where it has built real strength. Among those achievements, the Joel A. Katz Music and Entertainment Business program has been recognized by Billboard Magazine as a top music business school for six consecutive years. Other accolades include Higher Education Review naming the Coles College to its list of the Top 10 Promising U.S. Business Schools, The Princeton Review listing the College among the nation’s Best Business Schools, and CEO Magazine ranking the Executive MBA Program No. 1 in Georgia and No. 3 in the nation. These distinctions reflect the College’s deliberate investment in pro - grams that are both academically rigorous and directly relevant to where industries are heading.
A Coles Education leads to real outcomes
Faculty Earning Acclaim
Through their teaching, research, and engagement with the industry and the community, the Coles College of Business’s faculty play a critical role in building the College’s reputation. Some examples of faculty successes throughout the 2024-2025 academic year include: Marketing Associate Professor Prachi Gala and Information Systems Associate Professor Aaron French presented at the US- India Summit in Atlanta to discuss the impact of artificial intelli - gence on business and society. Associate Dean Adriane Randolph co-hosted the Japan-Georgia Conference on the KSU campus, highlighting the economic ties between the two cultures. Alison Hedrick, Information Systems faculty member, was selected as a Governor’s Teaching Fellow, participating in the “Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom” symposium. Sara Davis, director of the Family Enterprise Center, was named Mentor of the Year by North Atlanta Venture Mentoring Service. Professor Dana Hermanson was named one of two 2025 AAA Presidential Scholars by the American Accounting Association. These faculty efforts and recognitions help the Coles College continue to build influence among the academic and business communities while strengthening the long-term value and return for students of a Coles College degree.
Students in the Joel A. Katz Music and Entertainment Business Program, recognized as a top music business program by Billboard Magazine.
MEBUS NAMED A TOP PROGRAM BY BILLBOARD | CEO MAGAZINE RANKS EMBA NO. 1 | PRINCETON REVIEW NAMES COLES COLLEGE A “BEST BUSINESS SCHOOL”
TOP RANKINGS & RECOGNITION:
ADVANCING ECONOMIC MOBILITY
COLES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ANNUAL REPORT
The Coles College 40 Under 40. From Left to Right: Jen Riley (Ph.D.), Michael Caldwell (Finance), Michael Clark (MBA), Juan C. Meja (International Business), Fortune Onwuzuruike (MSHMI), Damla Meral (MBA), Ashley Nealy (Information Systems, MSIS), Daniela Carvajalino (Finance), Martin Momtahan (Management), and Martin Branick (Management). Not pictured: Tanner Griffin (International Business, MSIS, MBA), Eli Hogan (Finance), and Muriam Nafees (MBA).
The inductees of the 2024 cohort of Five in Flight
Where Coles Alumni Are Making an Impact
ALUMNI FORGING THEIR PATHS The Impact of a Coles Education
FORTUNE 500 COMPANIES
GOVERNMENT LEADERSHIP
All colleges and universities are defined by the strength of their graduates. Coles College alumni can be found working as leaders across industries, bringing innovative new products to market, and earning acclaim for their professional successes and contributions to society. Several members of the Coles College of Business alumni family distinguished themselves during the 2024-2025 academic year, including: Aaron Gagnon, who has spent the last three decades since earning his degree in accounting transforming the audit functions for companies like Abercrombie and Fitch, Apple, and McKinsey, being recognized as an Influential Leader by AACSB International. Robert C. Forrester, a graduate of the Ph.D. in Business Administration Program, became Dean of the Dillard College of Business Administration at Midwestern State University. Information Systems Alumnus Aaron Gwinner was named Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Campbell’s, owner of popular brands like Goldfish Crackers, Pepperidge Farm Cookies, and Sny - der’s of Hanover. Ioana Gheorghiade, a graduate of the Coles College MBA program, was appointed Chief Risk Officer of Banca Comercială Română. She will also serve on the bank’s executive committee. Thirteen Coles College alumni were included in Kennesaw State University’s inaugural cohort of 40 Owls Under 40, which recognizes the careers of young alumni across the University. Among the honorees were the CEO of USA Team Handball, a former Data Architect for NASA, a Senior Lecturer at Vanderbilt University, and the Mayor of Woodstock, GA.
STARTUPS & ENTREPRENEURS
HIGHER EDUCATION
In Fall 2024, the College held its second annual Five in Flight alumni awards ceremony, where we honored graduates in different stages of their professional journeys. The ceremony celebrates individuals who have distinguished them- selves within their industries while remaining deeply connected to the Coles College’s values. Collectively, Five in Flight recipients reflect the College’s commitment to developing ethical, engaged leaders whose influence extends across organizations, communities, and society at large.
The recipients of the 2024 Five in Flight awards were:
Graduate of the Last Decade (Undergrad.)
Graduate of the Last Decade (Grad.)
Martin Branick | CEO, USA Team Handball Erica Moody | Senior Developer of Data Analytics, Warehouse, and Governance, Intercontinental Exchange Vincent Rosamillia | Associate Portfolio Manager, Georgia Office of the State Treasury
Arun Kandel | Chief Information Officer, Southern Poverty Law Center Faisal Saleem | Chief Operations Officer, Children’s Medical Group Brandie Szuda | Chief Medical Data Informatics Officer, MagMutual
Early-Career Entrepreneurship
Late-Career Entrepreneurship
Phillip Moran | Co-Founder, CEO, Digital Opportunities Group
Andy Crowe | Founder and CEO, Velociteach
While their careers have all taken different trajectories, they each began their journey from the same starting point: a solid business education rooted in hands-on learning and professional experience.
ADVANCING ECONOMIC MOBILITY
COLES COLLEGE BOARD OF ADVISORS
LOOKING AHEAD Building what comes next
The Coles College Board of Advisors brings together industry leaders who provide strategic insight, strengthen connections, and help guide the College’s continued growth. Guiding Strategic Growth and Industry Connection
Ms. Nancy Berger AVP-Consumer Billing & Delivery Innovations AT&T - Financial Billing Operations Mr. Kelly Bollinger Partner, Regional President
Mr. Sid Mookerji Silicon Road Ventures Mr. Rotimi Olumide Sales Director Microsoft Corporation
Carr, Riggs & Ingram Ms. Sarah Boone First Vice President
Mr. Jonathan Partridge Financial Services Executive Ms. Holly Quinlan President & CEO
UBS Financial Services Dr. Robin Cheramie Dean, Coles College of Business Kennesaw State University Mr. Michael Clark SVP, COO; Family Office at Synovus Synovus Bank
Cobb Travel & Tourism Mr. Douglas Shore Co-Founder, Chairman, and Co-CEO, Retired
Shore-Varrone, Inc. Ms. Robyn Smith Chief Human Resources Officer Jackson Healthcare Mr. Dan Tucker Retired CFO
The Coles College of Business enters its next chapter with a clear sense of what it is building toward. Across the College, there is alignment around preparing students for meaningful careers, strengthening relationships with industry, and expanding access to opportunity through entrepreneurship and community engagement. These efforts reflect an ongoing commitment to advancing economic mobility in ways that are practical and lasting. The work ahead will build on that foundation. The College will invest in programs and experiences that help students adapt and think critically in a changing business environment. Research will continue to grow in both impact and rele - vance. Partnerships will deepen, creating more opportunities for connection and collaboration. At the same time, growth will remain thoughtful. Resources will be directed toward efforts that make a difference for students and the communities they will serve. There is momentum across the College. It comes from the people doing the work, the partners who stay engaged, and the students who continue to push themselves.
Mr. Kirk Gadebusch Harry Norman Realtors Mr. Joseph Handy CEO
Southern Company Ms. Moira Vetter CEO ModoModo Agency Mr. Mark Wilson CEO IGP
Clearwater Marine Aquarium Ms. Stacy Haubenschild Chief Operating Officer Henssler Financial Ms. Rachel Humphrey Retired Hospitality Industry C-Suite Executive and Counsel
Coles is ready for what comes next
COLES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
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PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION OF BUSINESS LEADERS
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