From left Director of Academic Services Erin Looney and Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Eric Moyen.
The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Lee University a $2.1 million Title III Strengthening Institutions Program grant with the purpose of better serving students.
“This grant approval means a great deal to us,” said Lee President Paul Conn. “We consider student success a priority here, so for the Department of Education to come alongside us and support this proposal is a huge vote of confidence.”
The Title III grant will fund the “Joining Forces for Student Success” project, which focuses on developing a new Student Success Center that will unify elements of the Center for Calling and Career, the Office of First-Year Programs, and Academic Services to create a place where students can go for help of any kind. The center will be operational by the fall semester of 2017.
“Our Title III grant and the Student Success Center will be a game-changer for so many students,” said Dr. Eric Moyen, assistant vice president for Academic Affairs. “It will provide the necessary resources for Lee University to expand on its student-centered mission and build on its mission to offer student access by helping encourage student success.”
The goals of the project are to inspire student persistence and degree completion by encouraging them to overcome obstacles and help them succeed.
The grant will fund multiple new positions for student success coaches and student mentors who will provide the academic, emotional, social, and real world support students need.
The grant will also fund faculty development activities to enhance key courses with active learning strategies designed to better engage students.
According to Dr. Moyen, Lee was eligible to apply for the grant because it gives students of diverse economic backgrounds access to higher education.
“We sought this grant because it would help us better ensure that all students would have success once they arrive at Lee,” said Dr. Moyen.
Dr. Moyen will provide administrative oversight on the project while Erin Looney, director of Lee’s Academic Services, will become the director of Student Success and Retention, overseeing the daily operations of the center.
The Title III grant will be disbursed over five years, and Lee will continue to add resources, personnel, and support for the center each year.