Media release from the Rome, GA City Schools:
Rome City Schools Director of Instructional Technology, Safety, and Operations John Fricks has been selected to the inaugural class of Kennesaw State University’s 40 Owls Under 40.
The recognition program celebrates KSU and Southern Polytechnic State University (SPSU) alumni who are under the age of 40 and making bold strides in their professions and their communities since graduation.
“The true measure of value for any university lies in the impact of its alumni,” KSU President Kathy S. Schwaig said. “This first class of 40 Owls Under 40 is filled with leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, civil servants, and innovators. We are proud to call them our own and know they will continue to have great impact through their work and service.”
Fricks, who got his Master’s Degree from Kennesaw State in 2018 and Educational Specialist Degree in 2020, has had several roles at Rome City Schools. He started in the classroom before becoming an Assistant and Associate Principal at Rome High School. He then moved to the Central Office and has played a vital role in the safety of schools and helping integrate technology, most notably Artificial Intelligence, into the district.
“Mr. Fricks continues to do outstanding work at Rome City Schools for our students, faculty, and staff. He has a true heart for education and for students, and we get to see that in action each day,” Rome City Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric L. Holland said. “We are extremely proud of his work and his efforts, and he truly deserves this recognition.”
Last year, Fricks was also named a semifinalist for the first AI Educator Awards presented by MagicSchool.
Fricks was selected from a pool of thousands of educators across the world who are not only embracing Artificial Intelligence but using it to help contribute to the greater education community.
With nearly half of KSU’s alumni under the age of 40, approximately 47,000 KSU and SPSU graduates were eligible for the 40 Owls Under 40 Class of 2025. The honorees were selected through a competitive nomination process, with candidates evaluated on their professional achievements, community involvement, and commitment to the university. Throughout Fall 2024, the KSU Alumni Association collected over 400 nominations.
The Class of 2025 will be honored at an awards luncheon on the Kennesaw Campus on March 21.
