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Discover the United Kingdom

During the 2025鈥2026 academic year, the 亚博官方网站 campus and community will embark on a journey to discover the United Kingdom. From education abroad opportunities to dynamic on-campus programs, the Year of the United Kingdom will offer a yearlong exploration of the country鈥檚 vibrant culture, complex history, and global impact.

This initiative builds on 亚博官方网站鈥檚 proud tradition of globally focused programming through the annual Year of Country Study, established in 1984. We are excited to continue collaborating with international, national, and campus partners to present performances, events, lectures, exhibits, film screenings, and seminars. Each offering is designed to spark connection, foster engagement across cultures, and deepen cross-cultural understanding.

Throughout the year, we鈥檒l explore the unique identities and shared heritage of the UK鈥檚 four nations: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. We invite you to be part of this exciting celebration of global learning and cultural exchange. Join us!

 

Year of the United Kingdom Programs & Events

See the 2025-2026 program and events listed below, as well as special resources and academic credit opportunities. We look forward to seeing you at the diverse programming being offered this year as part of the Year of the United Kingdom. Many thanks to the faculty and staff, as well as the campus, community, and international partners, who are bringing the UK experience to 亚博官方网站!

Please follow us @ksu.yearof on Instagram to keep up with event details, including updated times and locations should unforeseen circumstances require a change.

If you have any questions about the events listed below, contact Community Engagement and Outreach in Global Education at global.engagement@kennesaw.edu.

  • WOW: Year of the United Kingdom KICKOFF Event

    Date: Friday, August 22

    Time: 4:30-7:30 pm

    Location: Student Center, University Rooms (Kennesaw)

    Snapshot: Kick off the Year of the United Kingdom with an evening of fun, food, and friendly competition! Join us for Bingo, team trivia, UK food tastings, and great music as we celebrate UK culture and test our knowledge of all things UK.

    Sign Up: Register for team trivia . 

    Hosted by: Global Education and MEBUS

    WOW: Day of Service with a UK Spin on Fish & Chips

    Date: Saturday, August 23

    Time: Early Start!!

    • 7:30 am: BOB pick up in front of the Marietta Campus Student Ctr.
    • 7:50 am: BOB pick up at the Kennesaw Rec Center
    • 8:30 am-12:00 pm: Lake Allatoona
    • 12:30 pm: Back for lunch on the Kennesaw Campus AND at 2:00 pm BOB takes students back to the Marietta Campus

    Location:  Lake Allatoona, specific location TBA upon arrival

    Snapshot: Help protect the fish, by cleaning up areas around Lake Allatoona. Safety training provided. Earn credit for the Royal Owls Voluntary Service.  Get some chips and UK merch as a reward for your efforts!

    Sign Up:  limited number of spots - sign up required in advance!

    Hosted by: Student Volunteerism and Service and the Office of Global Education

    The Naturalist: London artist shares her art and her inspiration

    Date: Tuesday, August 26

    Time: 11:00 am-12:00 pm

    Location: Zoom

    Snapshot: Join us for a virtual lecture with artist Tricia Wright, who hails from England. Wright's work is deeply inspired by nature and history. Her art reflects a thoughtful connection to place, time, and the natural world, and through the use of poetry she allows reflection on issues surrounding beauty, self, and belonging.

    See her artwork on display in Zuckerman's Malinda Jolley Mortin Gallery.

    Link to Lecture: TBA

    Hosted by: Zuckerman Musuem of Art

    Lady Bug: Insects = Art

    Date: Thursday, August 28

    Time: 11:00-11:45 am

    Location: Don Russell Clayton Gallery (Kennesaw)

    Snapshot: Join us for an inspiring guest lecture by Jennifer Angus, renowned artist and professor in the Design Studies Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

    This large-scale exhibit celebrates three women entomologists -- two from the UK: The Madame Dragonfly and The Moth Queen, pseudonyms of Cynthia Longfield (1896-1991, English) and Alice Balfour (1850-1936, Scottish) respectively. Insects are the primary material in this installation, which like much of Angus' work explores issues related to the environment and the critical role insects play within it. 

    Have a cuppa and a UK snack while you're there!

    Hosted by: Zuckerman Musuem of Art

    Film Series: Oasis Supersonic

    Date: Friday, August 29

    Time: 3:30-6:00 pm

    Location: Burruss Building, Room 151 (Kennesaw)

    SNAPSHOT: As Oasis completes their 2025 international tour, you can screen the film that captures their rise as one of Britain鈥檚 most iconic rock bands. Told in the band鈥檚 own words, the film captures the chaos, creativity, and charisma that defined Oasis during their peak in the 1990s. From sold-out stadiums to sibling rivalries, this is a must-watch for music lovers and Britpop fans alike.

    Hosted by: Dr. Timothy Mathews, Director of the Center for the Study of Markets and Economic Opportunity and Professor of Economics

    Engineering Film Series: Peter Pan

    Date: Friday, September 5

    Time: 5:00-7:00 pm

    Location: Engineering Technology Center (Q Building), Room 202 (Marietta)

    SNAPSHOT:  Peter Pan, the timeless tale of adventure, imagination, and never growing up. As you journey with Peter, Wendy, and the Lost Boys, discover how the story connects to iconic UK landmarks and feats of engineering鈥攆rom the historic Tower Bridge evoking the magic of flight, to the Victorian architecture that inspired Neverland鈥檚 whimsical world. This beloved film offers a fresh lens on British culture, history, and creativity.

    While you're watching, get prepared for the Engineering Lego Hack-a-Thon in December!

    Hosted by: Dr. Roneisha Worthy, Assistant Dean of Student Success and Professor of Civil Engineering

    亚博官方网站 Women's Football Match (aka Soccer -- Brit style)

    Date: Wednesday, September 10

    Time: 7:00-9:00 pm

    Location: Fifth Third Stadium

    SNAPSHOT: Join FLIGHT and the Year of the United Kingdom for this special event,  spotlighting UK culture during the 亚博官方网站 vs. Georgia Southern soccer (football) match.

    From interactive tabling and exciting giveaways, to a halftime penalty shootout, we鈥檙e bringing the spirit of the UK to the field. In the United Kingdom鈥攚here the sport is famously called football鈥攖he game is more than just competition; it鈥檚 a cultural cornerstone that unites communities and ignites national pride.

    Don鈥檛 miss this unique opportunity to experience the global passion that exists for football and celebrate the UK, right here at 亚博官方网站!

    ADMISSION IS FREE!!

    Leading UK Music Mentor

    Date: Friday, September 12

    Time: 3:00-4:00 pm

    Location: Zoom

    SNAPSHOT: 亚博官方网站 welcomes Harry Leckstein, Deputy Managing Director of the London College of Contemporary Music and Director of CREAT-ED. Harry Leckstein is a respected figure in the UK music industry and a passionate advocate for music education. With years of experience as a producer, creative mentor, and academic, he bridges the gap between industry and the classroom鈥攈elping emerging artists and students navigate the evolving music landscape. Hear about his journey, how he helps aspiring musicians find their way, and what it takes to thrive in the industry.

    Sign Up: Zoom Link - TBA

    Want More? Attend one of Harry's in Iceland!!

    Interview: Rachel Galloway, British Consul General

    Date: Tuesday, September 16

    Time: 9:30-10:30 am

    Location: Siegel Student Recreation & Activities Center (SRAC), Room 1090 (Kennesaw)

    SNAPSHOT: Find out more about this top-ranking diplomat who represents Britain in the Southeastern United States. Consul General Galloway and her office build connections, support British citizens in the US, and strengthen ties between our countries through education, culture, business, and politics. Meet her face to face and hear about her international journey around the globe!

    Hosted by: 亚博官方网站 Journey Honors College, Office of Prestigious Undergraduate Awards, and the Office of Global Education

    Interchange: Art Collaboration with Live Performances

    Date: Thursday, September 18

    Time: 7:00-8:00 pm

    Location: Zuckerman Museum of Art (Kennesaw)

    SNAPSHOT: Join us for this annual collaboration featuring faculty from all four disciplines of the College of the Arts. This unique presentation of live performances celebrates the creativity that all artistic disciplines share with one another. While there, visit the UK-related art exhibits in the galleries, have a cuppa, and enjoy a UK snack!

    Hosted by: Geer College of the Arts, Zuckerman Museum of Art, and the Office of Global Education

    SOTL Summit: Featuring UK Champion for Student-Centered Learning

    Date: Friday, September 19

    Time: 9:30-10:30 am

    Location: Zoom

    SNAPSHOT: 亚博官方网站's Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL) SUMMIT brings together educators from around the world to discuss best practices in teaching and learning in higher education.

    This year's Summit features plenary speaker Professor Earle Abrahamson, a champion for student-centered learning -- who holds a PhD in the field and serves as a professor at the University of Hertfordshire, UK.

    Faculty, staff, and students are invited to attend all or part of the Summit. Registration is free with your 亚博官方网站 email address.

    For more information and to sign up visit the Summit site.

    Hosted by: 亚博官方网站's Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL)

    British Car Show

    Date: Saturday, September 20

    Time: 11:00 am-2:00 pm

    Location: Central Parking Lot (Marietta)

    SNAPSHOT: Look out James Bond! British car enthusiasts roll onto campus with their treasured vehicles on display. Enjoy snacks and pick up some exclusive "YoUK" merch, while seeing these stylish automobiles up close!

    Hosted by: 亚博官方网站's Offices of Global Education and Parent and Family Programs

    Book Club: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

    Date: Wednesday, September 24

    Time: 2:00-3:30 pm

    Location: Sturgis Library, The Nest (Kennesaw)

    SNAPSHOT: The first session of the Year of the United Kingdom book club features The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. This British classic follows four siblings who discover a magical world through a wardrobe, where they encounter mythical creatures, an eternal winter, and a powerful battle between good and evil. Rich in imagination and symbolism, the story offers a captivating journey through one of the UK鈥檚 most cherished literary works -- and at 75 years old it still captures readers, young and old alike!

    Come ready to reflect and discuss the book -- and enjoy a cuppa and a biscuit while you connect with faculty, staff, and students.

    Hosted by: The University Libraries and the Office of Global Education

    Concert: Music from the UK

    Date: Wednesday, September 24

    Time: 7:30 pm

    Location: Bailey Performance Center, Morgan Concert Hall (Kennesaw)

    SNAPSHOT: 亚博官方网站's Symphony Orchestra presents a concert of British music including Elgar and Vaughan Williams, conducted by Dr. Nathaniel Parker, Director of Orchestral Studies and Associate Professor of Music.

    Tickets:

    Hosted by: Bailey School of Music

    1776 @ 250

    Date: Thursday, September 25

    Time: 4:00-5:00 pm

    Location: Prillaman Hall (HS), Room 1103 (Kennesaw)

    College Spotlight SNAPSHOT: In recognition of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, we鈥檙e excited to welcome Dr. Amy Watson (University of Alabama-Birmingham) to the 亚博官方网站 campus. Dr. Watson's research demonstrates that the term "Patriot," which American revolutionaries used to describe themselves, "was first adopted by a network of British politicians with radical ideas about the principles and purpose of the British Empire." Her work offers a new origin story of the American Revolution that emphasizes its British imperial scope.

    Hosted by: Dr. Amy Dunagin, Associate Professor of History and Dr. Marianne Holdzkom, Professor of History

    Check back - MORE than 20 programs to be added for October-December! 
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Royal OWLS Voluntary Service

In recognition of the amazing work that Britain's residents have been doing for over 85 years through the Royal Voluntary Service, 亚博官方网站 Owls will have the opportunity to volunteer as part of the "Year of the United Kingdom" and our Global Learning Opportunities (GLO) program, earning unique merch and leaving their mark on our local community. For the 2025-2026 academic year, 亚博官方网站's Office of Global Education will be partnering with 亚博官方网站's Office of Student Volunteerism and Service to create the Royal OWLS Voluntary Service Team.  Once you sign up to be on the Royal OWLS Team, you can earn points and prizes -- just for helping others!

We think the Royal Voluntary Service says it quite perfectly on their website:  Calling all students! Your local area needs your help, why not make a positive difference to your community and volunteer today? Volunteering is a wonderful thing to do, not just for others, but for yourself as well. Not only does it help...your community, it鈥檚 also good for you in many ways. Volunteering has a proven benefit to your physical and mental wellbeing, with great social opportunities offered through the roles you can choose from. It can also help you gain valuable experience, which can be handy when updating your CV or applying for jobs. 

At 亚博官方网站 many of these volunteer opportunities aren't limited to students, so faculty and staff can join in -- and we invite alumni and community members to volunteer at 亚博官方网站 Day of Service to be a part!

To add to the joy of giving, we want to give back to you. As part of the 2025-2026 Royal OWLS Voluntary Service Team, you can earn points and win prizes while you help others!

  • Every hour of service between August 18, 2025-April 15, 2026 earns you a point
  • Every hour of service in a 鈥淵ear of United Kingdom鈥 project earns you 2 points per hour (instead of 1)
  • Volunteer for the on Saturday, August 23, 2025 and earn 10 points (instead of hourly points)
  • Volunteer for 亚博官方网站 Day of Service on Saturday, March 28, 2026 and earn 10 points (instead of hourly points)

NOTE: All hours will be tracked by the Office of Global Education, however hours must be documented and verified in 亚博官方网站鈥檚 GivePulse. All 亚博官方网站 students, faculty, and staff have a GivePulse account.
Click the GivePulse button below, then log in by clicking the grey 鈥淟ogin via Kennesaw鈥 button and enter your 亚博官方网站 email and password. Important: Include #RoyalOwls in the "Requested Information" section of your GivePulse reflection after each volunteer event for the volunteer efforts and hours to count.

Point System:

  • 10 points - Royal Owls Voluntary Service - Collectible Button
  • 25 points - Royal Owls Voluntary Service or "Year of the United Kingdom" - T-shirt or Hat
  • 40 points - Royal Owls Voluntary Service or "Year of the United Kingdom" - Tote Bag

This is your chance to join a team who is making a difference! Please note, the Royal Owls Voluntary Service Team membership application closes 12/1/25. Sign up is simple; just click the JOIN link below!

Email jasmine.edwards@kennesaw.edu for more information. #Playingmypart #YoUK

"Year Of" Undergraduate Research (YOUR) Funding

A priority of the annual Year of Country Study program has been and continues to be inspiring and supporting international partnerships and research. To further this goal, Global Education is working with 亚博官方网站's Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) to provide funding of up to $1,000 for faculty who choose to mentor undergraduate researchers, while expanding their research in partnership with colleagues in the country of focus. Faculty who wish to be considered, must identify a research partner within that country's higher education institution/s or organization/s, and complete the application.

Congratulations to Dr. Soon Goo Lee, Assistant Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Science and Mathematics AND Dr. Shadi Beshai, Associate Professor of Psychology, Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Both received funds to support their research during the 2024-2025 Year of Country Study on Canada.


Applications for the Year of the United Kingdom will open in August. They will be reviewed on a rolling basis until December 15, 2025, or when all funds are disbursed, whichever comes first. Please review the requirements at the OUR website link below.

"Year Of" Research Funding

Education Abroad

亚博官方网站 students and alumni can visit parts of the United Kingdom (UK) and experience some of their culture firsthand during the 2025-26 academic year. Alumni, get ready for Scotland from April 11-18, 2026!  Students, come back to this site in September for opportunities to study in the UK in the coming year.

Alumni

Panels & Trivia

In collaboration with 亚博官方网站's Museums, Archives, and Rare Books (MARB), the Year of the United Kingdom has developed a set of introductory exhibit panels to provide a general overview of important topics related to the country of study, and to draw the campus into the Year of the United Kingdom experience. Look for these panels across campus and test your knowledge with the UK-focused trivia embedded on each piece.

In collaboration with 亚博官方网站's Geer College of the Arts and the School of Art and Design鈥檚 Design Practicum course (ART 4030), we are excited to present the iconic Year of the United Kingdom country study logo (seen at the top left of this page). This logo will be used throughout the year to identify official programs that are affiliated with the university-wide focus. Many thanks to Assistant Professor John King and the following seniors who created this design: Jada Dreyfus, Tru Mitchell, Melissa Sandoval-Zavala, and Ariel Zachary. Global Education is proud to feature the work of our young professionals as part of this signature focus at 亚博官方网站.