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KENNESAW, Ga. | May 23, 2025

Two Kennesaw State University students recently became the latest to earn their degrees as beneficiaries of the Paul Radow Scholars Program, an initiative aimed at supporting engineering students with financial aid, mentorship, and career-building opportunities.

The program supports nine mechanical engineering students in KSU鈥檚 Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, helping them thrive through graduation. It was established in 2014 by longtime KSU benefactor Norman Radow in honor of his late father, Paul, an accomplished NASA engineer who helped design the elevator launch pad system for the early U.S. space program.

DarVarous Jones and Charlotte McClung, who graduated in early May, were the latest to complete the program, wearing stoles to mark the achievement as they crossed the stage. SPCEET Dean Lawrence Whitman lauded the graduates on their accomplishment, adding that they are emblematic of what the program was designed to achieve.

鈥淒arVarous and Charlotte represent the very best of what our college stands for 鈥� resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to engineering excellence,鈥� Whitman said. 鈥淭hey鈥檝e not only succeeded in the classroom, but they鈥檝e also emerged as leaders ready to make a lasting impact in their fields and communities.鈥�

For Jones, a first-generation college student from Albany, Georgia, the program served as a lifeline and a motivator. Initially drawn to KSU for its academic strength, Jones saw mechanical engineering as a natural fit thanks to his hands-on curiosity and interest in robotics.

Through his time as a Radow Scholar, Jones connected with faculty mentors, built relationships with peers, and learned how to balance academic rigor, campus involvement, and part-time jobs. He was also active in the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and the American Society of Manufacturing Engineers (ASME) and even worked two jobs while maintaining a high GPA. Now, he鈥檚 set to begin a mechanical engineering internship with Textron GSE in Cartersville, Georgia, where he hopes to transition into a full-time role.

He credits the untimely loss of his sister, Shatoria Lunsford, as one of his biggest motivators.

鈥淪he was my biggest inspiration,鈥� he said. 鈥淓ven when it was hard, I knew I had to keep going. I want to show others that there鈥檚 always a way forward, no matter your background or what you鈥檝e been through.鈥�

Originally from Cartersville, Georgia, McClung chose KSU after touring several universities. She was impressed by the school鈥檚 engineering facilities and hands-on opportunities. A love for robotics and aeronautics in high school inspired her to pursue mechanical engineering, and the Radow scholarship lifted financial barriers that allowed her to focus on her studies.

鈥淏ecause of the scholarship, I didn鈥檛 have to work,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 could focus on learning, growing, and leading.鈥�

McClung served as president of KSU鈥檚 Society of Women Engineers and helped secure funding for travel for 12 students to attend a national conference in Chicago.

After graduation, McClung will return to global steel manufacturer Gerdau, where she interned the past two summers. She鈥檒l enter a rotational technical trainee program designed to develop future engineering leaders in the steel industry. Her long-term goal is to earn her professional engineering license and contribute to more sustainable and ethical practices in the field.

鈥淚 hope my journey inspires others, especially women, to pursue engineering and know they belong here,鈥� McClung said.

鈥� Story by Raynard Churchwell

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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 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 色色啦. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.