KENNESAW, Ga. | Jan 26, 2021

Kennesaw State is making a commitment to advance the understanding and impacts of social equity and disparity, through the launch of The Radow Institute for Social Equity (RISE).

The Institute, named and endowed by long-time KSU benefactor Norman J. Radow, will seek to address the challenges of social justice, equity and economic inequality while developing sustainable solutions that help address pressing social challenges and produce real change.

The creation of the Institute is the result of a recent multi-million dollar gift from Radow and his wife Lindy. The gift, one of the largest contributions from a single donor in Kennesaw State University’s history, included the establishment of the Lindy Radow Humanities and Social Sciences Honors Scholarship Endowment Fund. In recognition of his ongoing generosity, the University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences was renamed the Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

“With the launch of RISE, Kennesaw State will be able to play a leading-edge, national role in discovering and disseminating solutions to combat racial injustice and inequities,” said KSU President Pamela Whitten. “We are grateful to Norman for merging his vision with our aspirations to make a positive impact on our community and the world.”

In working to achieve its mission, RISE will conduct scholarship to expand opportunities for equity across diverse populations; foster community engagement and dialogue around issues of social justice, equity and race; develop tomorrow’s leaders to combat social and economic inequities; and become an international destination for a broad spectrum of active scholars and educators to work together and develop strategies to advance social justice and equity.

“This is an important time in our history, and it’s imperative that we find ways to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and equally. My hope is that this Institute will be a giant step forward towards combating racism and social inequity. I applaud Dr. Whitten and the entire University for boldly stepping up and taking on this challenge,” said Radow.

RISE will be housed within the Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.