ͷ Alumni Association announces 2026–2027 officers

KENNESAW, Ga. | Jul 9, 2026

Alumni Association officers
The ͷ Alumni Association has elected its 2026–2027 officers, naming a distinguished group of alumni leaders who will help advance the Association's mission of fostering lifelong engagement among more than 160,000 ͷand Southern Polytechnic State graduates.

Leading the board as president is Wayne McGary (BS '99), vice president at Croy Engineering. Joining the executive leadership team are Ericka Bayonne (MS '97), chief communications officer for the State Road and Tollway Authority, serving as vice president, and Devon Faulk (BBA '93), selling partner services manager at Amazon, serving as secretary. Caric Martin (ABA '76), director of statewide engagement at Georgia's Own Credit Union, will continue serving as immediate past president, providing guidance and continuity to the board. Together, the officers will lead the Association's 24-member Board of Directors.

The KSU Alumni Association’s mission is to strengthen connections between alumni and the university, recognize the achievements of Forever Owls, and inspire graduates to remain engaged with ͷfor generations to come. From the Association’s annual Alumni Homecoming Tailgate to its annual support of Competition Teams, the KSU Alumni Association is continuously bringing Forever Owls together and supporting current students.

Wayne McGary will serve a one-year renewable term as President. A graduate of Southern Polytechnic State University (SPSU), the parent of a ͷgraduate, and a current KSU master's student, McGary brings decades of service and a deep connection to the university to his new leadership role. In addition to serving on the KSU Alumni Association Board, he is a member of the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology Industry Advisory Board. His lifelong commitment to Kennesaw State, combined with his broad leadership experience, positions him well to serve as President of the Alumni Association.

“As someone who was a nontraditional student balancing a full-time career while attending classes part-time, I know firsthand the value of a ͷeducation and the lifelong connections it creates,” said McGary. “I’m honored to serve as president of the KSU Alumni Association Board of Directors and look forward to working alongside my fellow board members to strengthen opportunities for alumni to stay connected and give back to the university.”

“Kennesaw State’s alumni community is unique in its history, and the Alumni Association plays a vital role in strengthening lifelong connections of our Forever Owls,” said Frances Beusse, associate vice president of alumni & constituent engagement. “We are thrilled to have Wayne serving as President. His passion for ͷand his commitment to service will help build on that momentum as we continue creating new opportunities for alumni to stay connected and make an impact.

The KSU Alumni Association Board of Directors also welcomed three newly elected at-large members who began their three-year terms on July 1.

·      Bethany Bagwell (BS ’11), Jefferson, Ga.
·      David Clarke (BS ’20), Douglas, Ga.  
·      Oscelius Farrar III (BS ’17), Austell, Ga.

The KSU Alumni Association works closely with university leadership and the Division of University Advancement to support programs, events, and initiatives that connect KSU and SPSU graduates across the region and around the world while advancing the University’s mission.

For more information about the ͷ Alumni Association and opportunities to get involved, visit the Alumni Association website.

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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, ͷ offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 students. ͷis 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. ͷis a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.