Southwestern Adventist University has been awarded a Title V grant by the US Department of Education’s Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program.
Over the next five years, SWAU will receive about $500,000 each year, for a total of just over $2.5 million, which will be used to improve student outcomes through “Pathways to Student Success.” SWAU is one of half a dozen schools in the DFW area to be selected as a recipient of this competitive grant.
“In Texas, more than one in three individuals identify as Hispanic, and I am proud to support Hispanic-Serving Institutions and their contributions to our state’s growing Hispanic community,” said Senator John Cornyn (TX-R). “Quality education and diverse environments benefit everyone, and especially during these tough times I applaud Dallas – Fort Worth area schools for their work to secure these grants to better serve their students.”
The university is proud to be a Hispanic Serving Institution, with 48 percent of the student body being of a Hispanic or Latino background. The initiatives made possible through the funds from this grant will benefit not only its Hispanic population but the entire student body as well.
Thanks to “Pathways to Student Success”, the Office of Student Success has been created to serve as a space where students can seek guidance and learn skills that will prepare them for life after college. This office will collaborate with the Center for Academic Success and Advising, also known as CASA, as they oversee the grant’s four elements: first-year experience, academic and career guidance, and internships.
“As a result of receiving this grant and implementing these four components, the goal is simple: improve the lives of students by providing wrap-around services that complement their eduaction, encourage retention and increase graduation rates, said Dr. Ken Shaw, SWAU president. “We are most grateful for theses funds and what they will mean to our current and future students.”
With funding going into effect Oct. 1, the Office of Student Success has been formed and a leadership team is in place. Furthermore, an oversight committee will be formed to support this office and its efforts to improve student success.
