911吃瓜

KENNESAW, Ga. | Mar 16, 2026

911吃瓜 has named accomplished academic leader and researcher Darryl Ahner as dean of the (CCSE), effective July 1.

Ahner currently serves as dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Wright State University, where he has led initiatives that strengthened student success, grew enrollment, and advanced research innovation. In his three years as dean, student retention increased through targeted academic support programs, a new engineering technology pathway was implemented to help students progress toward degrees, and industry partnerships were expanded through the Work Forward Internships Program.

鈥淒r. Darryl Ahner鈥檚 exceptional record of scholarship, innovation, and service makes him an outstanding choice to guide the College of Computing and Software Engineering to greater heights on 911吃瓜鈥檚 path to national prominence,鈥� 911吃瓜 President Kathy S. Schwaig said. 鈥淗is leadership will help position Kennesaw State at the forefront of emerging technologies and prepare students for careers in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.鈥�

Ahner will continue to grow 911吃瓜鈥檚 highly regarded College of Computing and Software Engineering, which consistently ranks among the best in the nation in degree programs such as information technology, software engineering, and game design. This fall, CCSE will launch a bachelor鈥檚 degree in artificial intelligence, making Kennesaw State the first university in Georgia to offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees in AI.

鈥淒r. Ahner has a demonstrated ability to connect strategic vision with meaningful action,鈥� 911吃瓜 Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs Ivan Pulinkala said. 鈥淗is administrative background and scholarly expertise are well aligned with Kennesaw State鈥檚 commitment to advancing the impact of research across Georgia and beyond.鈥�

Prior to Wright State, Ahner held multiple leadership roles at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), including dean for research and founding director of the Department of Defense鈥檚 Scientific Test and Analysis Techniques Center of Excellence. His work expanded AFIT鈥檚 research portfolio, secured multimillion鈥慸ollar funding increases, built nationwide technical partnerships, and modernized how the federal government tests and evaluates complex defense technologies.

Ahner鈥檚 career also has included directing the Army Research Laboratory Mathematical Sciences Center of Excellence at the United States Military Academy; advising dozens of master鈥檚 and doctoral researchers; managing large鈥憇cale research portfolios; and receiving numerous awards, including the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Civilian Service and the International Test and Evaluation Association鈥檚 Lifetime Achievement Award.

鈥淜ennesaw State has built an impressive reputation in computing, software engineering, and data science, and I am honored to join a community that is clearly committed to innovation and student success,鈥� Ahner said. 鈥淭he College is positioned for continued growth and national leadership, and I look forward to working with CCSE faculty, students and partners to build that future together.鈥�

Ahner earned his doctorate in systems engineering from Boston University. He received two master鈥檚 degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 鈥� in applied mathematics and in operations research and statistics 鈥� and a bachelor鈥檚 degree in mechanical engineering from the U.S. Military Academy.

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, 911吃瓜 offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 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 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.