In October 2023, Missouri Southern State University was awarded a five-year Title III Grant of $2.25 million from the U.S. Department of Education’s Strengthening Institution’s Program and the Higher Education Act. The focus of MSSU’s Title III Grant is to support the development and piloting of high impact practices related to student services and academic programs to assist the University with its declining enrollment. Each activity of the grant will lead to the overall success of MSSU.
“The purpose of the Strengthening Institutions Program is to provide grants to eligible institutions of higher education to improve their academic programs, institutional management, and fiscal stability to increase their self-sufficiency and strengthen their capacity to make a substantial contribution to the higher education resources of the Nation.” (34 CFR 607.1)
More detailed information about the U.S. Department of Education’s Title III grant purpose can be found here.
Grant Funded Projects
Project Overview
This program will provide students with a strong foundation in business principles partnered with an agricultural preliminary education, preparing them for careers in various sectors of the agriculture industry. Agribusiness is a 2+2 bachelor’s degree program with two nearby community colleges to reduce the first two years’ cost and travel time and build partnerships with strong area two-year schools.
Timeline
This project begins in year two (2024) of the Title III Grant.
Grant Year 2: Development of Agribusiness Course
Grant Year 3: Pilot Agribusiness Program
Grant Year 4: Maintain and Continued Development of Agribusiness Program
Grant Year 5: Maintain and Continued Development of Agribusiness Program
Corequisite English remediation courses offer numerous benefits to students. These courses provide additional support and resources to help students improve their English language and writing skills while they are taking their regular courses. By addressing any gaps in language proficiency, students can enhance their overall academic performance and communication abilities. Additionally, corequisite English courses can help students build confidence in their writing, reading, and speaking skills, ultimately preparing them for success in their academic and professional endeavors.
Timeline
This project begins in year four (2026) of the Title III Grant.
Grant Year 4: Develop English Co-Requisite Remediation Courses
Grant Year 5: Pilot and Continue Development of English Co-Requisite Remediation Courses
Project Contact Information
DR. Zak watson
English Co-Requisite Remediation Course Project Lead
Enhanced academic recovery programs are designed to provide additional support and resources to students who may be struggling academically. This program is aimed to help students improve their grades, catch up on missed coursework, and ultimately succeed in their academic pursuits. By offering specialized assistance such as tutoring, study skills workshops, and academic counseling, this program can help students overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Additionally, enhanced academic recovery initiatives can contribute to higher retention rates and graduation rates by ensuring that students receive the support they need to stay on track and complete their degrees.
Timeline
This project begins in year four (2026) of the Title III Grant.
Grant Year 4: Develop Enhanced Academic Recovery Program
Grant Year 5: Pilot Enhanced Academic Recovery Program
The Food Science and Nutrition program in higher education provides students with a solid foundation in understanding the complexities of food, its composition, and its effects on the human body. By studying this field, students gain knowledge about the nutritional value of different foods, food safety regulations, and the role of nutrition in promoting overall health and wellbeing. Updated courses along with laboratory renovations will ensure students are well-equipped to pursue careers in various sectors such as food production, research, public health, and nutrition counseling.
Timeline
Grant Year 1: Develop Food Science and Nutrition Program and Start Renovations on Laboratory
Grant Year 2: Pilot Food Science and Nutrition Program and Complete all Laboratory Renovations
Grant Year 3: Maintain and Continued Development of Food Science and Nutrition Program
Grant Year 4: Maintain and Continued Development of Food Science and Nutrition Program
Grant Year 5: Maintain and Continued Development of Food Science and Nutrition Program
A mental wellness program in higher education serves the purpose of promoting the emotional well-being and psychological health of students at MSSU. These programs often offer resources, support, and tools to help individuals manage stress, cope with challenges, and improve their overall mental health. By implementing such programs, MSSU aims to create a supportive environment that prioritizes mental wellness and enhances the overall well-being of the campus community with the help of peer-to-peer counseling.
Timeline
This project begins in year three (2025) of the Title III Grant.
By utilizing meta majors and degree mapping, students can better understand the requirements of their chosen field of study, stay on track towards graduation, and make informed decisions about their academic and career goals. Meta majors and degree mapping are tools used in higher education to help students navigate their academic journey more effectively through pathways. Pathways integrates new comprehensive, evidence-based practices into MSSU’s existing services. Meta-majors and degree mapping build on career planning and advising to help chart paths that avoid inappropriate course choices yet maintain flexibility in completing degrees.
Timeline
Grant Year 1: Installation and Implementation of Meta Major and Degree Mapping Software.
Grant Year 2: Pilot and Continue Development of Meta Major and Degree Mapping Software.
Grant Year 3: Maintain and Continue Development of Meta Major and Degree Mapping Software.
Grant Year 4: Maintainand Continue Development of Meta Major and Degree Mapping Software.
Grant Year 5: Maintain and Continue Development of Meta Major and Degree Mapping Software.
Online accelerated general education core courses can be a fast-track for students to achieve their academic goals. These core courses offer convenience, variety, and accessibility, making them a popular choice for many individuals seeking to further their education or recovery of credits. Additionally, they can help students save time and money by enabling them to finish their degree requirements more quickly. Online accelerated courses also provide access to a wider range of course offerings, allowing students to explore various subjects and fulfill their general education requirements efficiently. Another benefit is the accessibility of online courses, as they can be taken from anywhere with an internet connection, eliminating the need to commute to a physical location.
Timeline
This project begins in year three (2025) of the Title III Grant.
Grant Year 3: Develop Online Accelerated General Education Core Courses
Grant Year 4: Pilot Online Accelerated General Education Core Coursesand Continue Development of courses
Grant Year 5: Maintain and Continued Development of Online Accelerated General Education Core Courses
Project Contact Information
Scott snell
Online Accelerated General Education Core Course Project Lead
Phone: 417-625-9651
Email: snell-scott@mssu.edu
Project Overview
The online early childhood development program at MSSU offers numerous benefits for both students and educators. It provides flexibility for students to access coursework at more convenience, allowing them to balance their studies with other responsibilities. Additionally, online programs often incorporate interactive technologies and multimedia resources that can enhance the learning experience and cater to different learning styles. The online program may attract a more diverse group of students from various geographical locations, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives. Overall, an online early childhood development program at MSSU will broaden access to quality education and create a dynamic learning environment for all participants.
Timeline
This project begins in year three (2025) of the Title III Grant.
Grant Year 3: Develop Online Early Childhood Education Program
Grant Year 4: Pilot Online Early Childhood Education Program and Continue Development of courses
Grant Year 5: Maintain and Continued Development of Online Early Childhood Education Program
Project Contact Information
DR. JERI GOSWICK
Online Early Childhood Education Program Project Lead
The online RN to BSN program at MSSU offers numerous benefits to registered nurses looking to advance their careers.Online programs provide flexibility and convenience, allowing students to balance their studies with work and personal commitments. Additionally, online learning can often be more affordable than traditional on-campus programs, making it accessible to a wider range of students. The online format also allows for a diverse range of perspectives and experiences among students, enriching the learning environment. Earning a BSN degree can lead to increased job opportunities, higher earning potential, and the ability to take on more specialized roles in the healthcare field.
Timeline
Grant Year 1: Develop Online RN to BSN Program
Grant Year 2: Pilot Online RN to BSN Program and Continue Development of courses
Grant Year 3: Maintain and Continued Development of Online RN to BSN Program
Grant Year 4: Maintain and Continued Development of Online RN to BSN Program
Grant Year 5: Maintain and Continued Development of Online RN to BSN Program
The predictive alert referral program serves the purpose of identifying students who may be at risk of academic challenges or dropping out, and then referring them to appropriate support services. By analyzing various data points such as attendance, grades, and participation, the program can proactively intervene and provide necessary assistance to students in need. This proactive approach aims to improve student retention rates, enhance academic success, and ultimately contribute to a more supportive and inclusive learning environment within MSSU.
Timeline
This project begins in year four (2026) of the Title III Grant.
Grant Year 4: Develop Predictive Alert / Referral Program
Grant Year 5: Pilot Predicitive Alert / Referral Program
Project Contact Information
Contact Information Unavailable At This Time.
Project Overview
MSSU’s Ready to Roar is an invite only bridge program that supports incoming students transitioning from high school to college and helps prepare them for the upcoming fall semester. It is designed to foster community and connection amongst fellow students and faculty/staff. Students will receive valuable guidance on navigating their college experience through purposeful programming with current students, interactions with MSSU leaders, and exposure to campus resources.Throughout this eight-week on-campus program, students will actively engage in a remedial English or Math course, diverse workshops, explore various career paths during immersive building tours, fine-tune their resumes, and participate in activities. More information about Ready to Roar can be found here.
Summer 2025: 8-week Remedial English
Summer 2026: 8-week Remedial Math
Timeline
Grant Year 1: Pilot 2 Week Summer Bridge Program
Grant Year 2: 8 Week Summer Bridge w. Remedial English Program
Grant Year 3: 8 Week Summer Bridge w. Remedial Math Program
Each year and project within the Title III framework is accompanied by a specific set of objectives. Monitoring these annual objectives is essential for ensuring accountability and transparency in utilizing funds. This monitoring practice allows MSSU to demonstrate the effective and efficient allocation of resources. By staying focused, assessing achievements, and improving opportunities for future funding, this approach plays a pivotal role in achieving excellence in grant management.
Annual Grant Objectives
By Fall 2024, at least 75% of Summer Bridge 2-week program pilot students will achieve success measures defined in development.
By Fall 2025, at least 75% of Year 1 Food Science students will earn grades of C/+.
By Fall 2025, at least 75% of Year 1 online RN BSN students will earn grades of C/+.
By Fall 2025, at least 75% of Summer Bridge 8-week program (remedial English) pilot students will achieve success measures defined in development.
By Fall 2025, at least 75% of students in Meta-Majors/Degree Mapping Year 1 pilot will declare meta-major with degree map.
By Fall 2026, at least 75% of Year 3 Agribusiness students will earn grades of C/+.
By Fall 2026, at least 75% of Year 2 Food Science students will earn grades of C/+.
By Fall 2026, at least 75% of Year 2 online RNBSN students will earn grades of C/+.
By Fall 2026, at least 75% of Summer Bridge 8-week program (rem. math) pilot students will achieve success measures defined in development.
By Fall 2026, at least 75% of students in Meta-Majors/Degree Mapping Year 2 pilot will declare meta-major with degree map.
By Fall 2027, at least 75% of Year 4 Agribusiness students will earn grades of C/+.
By Fall 2027, at least 75% of Year 3 Food Science students will earn grades of C/+.
By Fall 2027, at least 75% of Year 1 online accelerated General Education pilot students will earn grades of C/+.
By Fall 2027, at least 75% of Year 1 online Early Childhood Education pilot students will earn grades of C/+.
By Fall 2027, at least 75% of students in Meta-Majors/Degree Mapping Year 3 pilot will declare meta-major with degree map.
By Fall 2028, at least 75% of Year 4 Food Science students will earn grades of C/+.
By Fall 2028, at least 75% of Year 2 online accelerated General Education pilot students will earn grades of C/+.
By Fall 2028, at least 75% of co-requisite English remediation pilot students will earn reenroll vs. 50% in baseline 2022
By Fall 2028, at least 75% of Year 1 online Early Childhood Education pilot students will earn grades of C/+.
By Fall 2028, at least 75% of Predictive Alert/ Referral pilot students will complete steps agreed to after staff contact.
By Fall 2028, at least 75% of students in Meta-Majors/Degree Mapping Year 4 pilot will declare meta-major with degree map.
By Fall 2028, at least 75% of students in Mental Wellness pilot will complete steps agreed to after staff contact.
By Fall 2028, at least 75% of students in Academic Recovery pilot will complete steps agreed to after staff contact.
Objective Completion Progress
Here is progress tracker of where the Title III grant is in achieving all objectives. There have been significant strides moving towards meeting our targets, and are well on track to successfully completing the projects within their timeline.
Grant Contact Information
DR. JULIE WENGERT
DESERAE SCHWINDT
Title III Project Manager wengert-j@mssu.edu 417-625-9532
Title III Activity Director / Support Specialist schwindt-d@mssu.edu 417-625-9529
