ADA, Okla. - East Central University’s Academic Success Center was recently awarded more than two million dollars through a Strengthening Institutional Programming grant.
This grant, funded by the Department of Education, was awarded last October and is already providing increased academic resources to ECU students.
“Being a part of this amazing grant team and being able to build the Purple Program has been a great adventure so far.” said Stephanie Cox, Purple Program and Academic Success Center Advisor. “We’ve already seen a great response through individual student meetings, and academic events. I’m beyond encouraged to know that the work that we are doing will have a lasting impact on these students!”
Known as the PEER-START grant, the project focuses on peer-led mentoring and tutoring services, in addition to classroom improvements. The biology labs received state-of-the-art microscopes last week, and a chemistry lab renovation is planned for this summer.
“With this grant, we have been able to hire additional advisors and will develop programs that will provide our students with the tools they need to be successful,” said Dr. Haley Hoyt, Director of the Academic Success Center.
PEER-START uses ECU retention data to provide targeted support in areas where it is most needed. ECU’s grant director, Leah Lyon, and grant research specialist, Bethany Walling, were instrumental in the grant application process.
Dr. Sarah Peters provided data from ECU’s collaboration with the Gardner Institute.
The project also provides funding for a new initiative, the ECU Purple Program, that will provide support to students admitted through petition, making admission possible for students who may previously not have had access to higher education.
“We have data that tells us what areas our students need help in, and because of this grant, we now have the funding to provide the help our students need. This is an exciting time for our campus.” Hoyt stated.
The PEER-START team consists of Dr. Holly Jones, project coordinator, and two academic advisors: Stephanie Cox and Ryan Smotherman. Hoyt is the project director. For more information, contact asc@ecok.edu or call 580-559-5696.
Picture from left to right: Project Coordinator Holly Jones, Academic Advisor Stephanie Cox, Project Director Haley Hoyt, and Academic Advisor Ryan Smotherman.