Discover Our Campus Departments

At Kennesaw State, our dedicated departments, including,  Campus Planning and Real Estate, Design and Construction,  Interior Design, Space Management, and Environmental Health and Safety, play a pivotal role in creating and maintaining environments that foster learning, innovation, and safety across our vibrant campus. From envisioning and constructing cutting-edge facilities to ensuring the well-being of our community, these departments work to shape the physical landscape of KSU.

Explore how these pillars of our institution contribute to the dynamic and thriving campus that is Kennesaw State University!

Campus Planning & Real Estate

The Campus Planning & Real Estate unit oversees the master and capital planning of the KSU Campus. It is responsible for acquiring and managing campus real estate assets. We work collaboratively to create a campus that aligns with the vision articulated in the Campus Master Plan and that serves the long-term needs of various KSU departments. We strive to develop spaces that are environmentally sensitive, equitable and that foster productivity and innovation.

    • Physical and Master Plan oversight and implementation in collaboration with USG, KSU Real Estate, university leaders, and stakeholders.
    • Pre-planning work with university stakeholders, which includes defining space needs, project scope, draft budgets, and schedules.
    • Shepherding capital projects through the USG and KSU approval processes.
    • Oversight and management of Feasibility and Space Planning studies.
    • Review and approval of exterior space requests.
    • Acquires and disposes of real property.
    • Manages the commercial leasing process including due diligence, negotiations, and liaising with the Board of Regents.
    • Supports the Public Private Venture (PPV) transaction process.

Design and Construction

The Design and Construction unit within PDC & EHS is responsible for effectively managing the design process and overseeing new construction and renovations of existing space and infrastructure in support of teaching, learning, research and other activities at Kennesaw State University.

This team consists of a professional staff with backgrounds that range from project management, architecture, interior design, construction and engineering.

    • Construction project management serving as owner’s representative in the efficient execution of design and construction projects.
    • Liaison between Kennesaw State University and the Board of Regents Real Estate and Facilities Office and GSFIC for approvals and procurement activities.
    • Develops and manages construction project budgets and schedules.
    • Oversees consultant and contractor solicitation and services.
    • Manages and coordinates consultant and contractor solicitation and services. 

Space Management

The Space management unit is responsible for overseeing the process for space allocation that is fair, transparent and tied to KSU's strategic principles. The Executive Space Planning Group and Space and Project Working Group have been established as part of that process

  • Space requests can be submitted using the space/project request form. The request will be routed for approval to the manager or department chair with budget responsibility. Once approved, the request will be reviewed by the Space and Project Working Group as needed.
     
    The request form includes questions about the space needed as well as questions regarding funding the request.  It’s often helpful to attach additional details that provide background or support the need for the request, including how the request supports the mission of the department and the University.
     
    Changes to use of space, such as converting classrooms to office space, require a detailed review of classroom utilization data and other factors before they will be reviewed by the Working Group or the Executive Group.
  • The Executive Space Planning Group is charged with overseeing and advising the president on all matters related to space use and allocation as it relates to Kennesaw State University's strategic priorities.

    The group uses the following principles to guide their decisions:

    • Space is a limited and shared resource and will be efficiently utilized to serve the University as a whole.
    • Student success and the impact on student outcomes should be a primary consideration for all space planning decisions.
    • Effective space planning will support Kennesaw State University’s Strategic Plan and Campus Master Plan. Any decisions regarding use of space that do not support the strategic plan or campus master plan must be approved by the president.
    • Effective space management is logical, transparent, and data-informed. Units requesting additional space will be expected to demonstrate they are using current space to its maximum efficiency.
    • Instructional facilities and student support will be given highest priority at the center of each campus. To the extent feasible, non-academic administrative units shall be located on the perimeter of each campus.
    • Reuse and adaptation of existing space is encouraged over new construction or major renovation.
    • The University will prioritize living/learning environments to enhance the academic mission in places where students live and interact.
    • Synergies created by placing like groups and functions in close proximity will be considered.
    • The University’s impact on and ability to share resources with the community will be considered.
    • Primary occupants of University space will be university units as opposed to outside entities.
    • The University will reserve adequate swing space for construction projects, program growth expansion, and unexpected or emergency needs

    The committee is strategic in nature and will advise the president on matters regarding:

    • Multi-pronged moves
    • Renovations of 50,000 square feet or more space
    • Projects over $250,000
    • Whole department moves
    • Changes in use of space (academic to operational and vice versa)
    • Options to lease or rent space
    • Use of student fees
    • Any working group decisions that are being disputed

    To facilitate this process, the committee will receive:

    • Priority lists for project work
    • Space utilization data
    • Small and large capital project proposals

  • Tricia Chastain, Chief Administrative Officer (Co-Chair)
    Ivan Pulinkala, Interim Provost (Co-Chair)
    Jeff Delaney, Chief Information Officer
    Phaedra Corso, Chief Research Officer
    Aaron Howell, Chief Business Officer
    Eric Arneson, Vice President, Student Affairs
    Sheb True, Associate Vice Provost for Global Engagement, Professional Education and Strategic Initiatives 
    Hazem Rashed-Ali, Dean of the College of Architecture and Construction Management  and Professor of Architecture
    Jo Donna Lamb, AVP for Planning, Design and Construction
    Kelly Johnston, Executive Director, Operations, Special Projects and Space Planning

    • The Space and Project Working Group is responsible for overseeing and advising the Chief Administrative Officer on changes of space purpose or office moves outside of the department area as well as recommendations to the Executive Committee on larger space requests that come into the centralized request portal.
    • Additionally, the working group is responsible for the review and approval of projects up to $50,000, while giving recommendations to the Executive Group for any project over this limit.
    • This is an operational group that will meet monthly and develop the annual report of space management and project activity on campus.
  • Kelly Johnston, Executive Director, Operations, Special Projects and Space Planning
    Cara Ray, Assistant Vice President, Student Affairs
    LaJuan Simpson-Wilkey, Assistant Vice President, Faculty Affairs
    Jo Donna Lamb, AVP for Planning, Design and Construction
    Cole Stratton, Assistant VP, Academic Strategy & Finance 
    Paul Parker, Executive Director, Registrar
    Ruth Goldfine, Senior Associate Dean for Operations, Planning and Innovation
    Scott Nowak, Associate Vice President for Research 
    Richard Rhodes, Director, Design and Construction
    Paula Stadnicki, IT Infrastructure Services Manager, UITS
    Zach Kerns, AVP, Campus Operations

Environmental Health and Safety

Kennesaw State University (KSU) is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of its entire community across teaching, learning, residential, and work environments. Moreover, the university is strongly committed to reducing its environmental footprint. To accomplish this mission, the Environmental Health and Safety Department (EHS) at KSU serves as the institution's primary resource for expertise and support in matters related to environmental and occupational safety. The EHS team works tirelessly to ensure that KSU remains in full compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local environmental health and safety laws, regulations, and guidelines.

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Interior Design

The Interior Design unit within PDC includes interior and graphic design services that maximize the environmental experience throughout the campus. We oversee layouts, design, finish specifications, and installations for furniture, finishes, and environmental graphics. We support the University’s adherence to universal design standards and codes such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 Life Safety Code.

  • Interior and Graphic Design Services Include:

    • In-house Interior Design development consistent with Kennesaw State University design standards.
    • Furniture selections, specifications, layouts and purchasing
    • Finish specifications
    • Environmental Graphic Design services including wayfinding, signage, wall graphics, and exterior monument signage.

    Furniture Purchases Can Fall Into Multiple Types:

    1. Replacing existing furniture in-kind within an administrative office or suite (same quantity, same layout, same size)
    2. Adding additional furniture to existing furniture already in a space
    3. Fully furnishing a new space/room

    Although all furniture purchases are required to receive pre-approval by the PDC Interior Design unit, types 1 and 2 may be expedited. To obtain expedited approval, you may directly contact Mark Camp at Advantage Office Solutions mark@usadvantage.net to request a quote. Once you receive the quote and layout, please include this when you submit your project request with the following additional information:

    • Building name, room #
    • Desired furniture upgrade
    • Pictures of the space and any reference furniture images

Engineering

The Engineering unit within PDC provides engineering support to internal design, construction and operation teams in an effort optimize the built environment with a focus on safety, reliability, maintainability, improved life cycle cost and sustainability. 

Our primary focus is on mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), building automation systems (BAS), fire protection, energy systems, utilities, and stormwater systems. 

    • Engineering design review and value engineering of construction documents
    • Phase reviews - Schematic design, Design development, Construction Set.
    • Commissioning – from vendor selection to closeout
    • Facility condition assessments
    • Feasibility studies
    • Capital renewal budgeting
    • Utility master plan
    • Standards development