Brescia University receives largest grant in school history

Will receive more than $2M from U.S. Department of Education

OWENSBORO, Ky. (Sept. 29, 2015) — Brescia University has been awarded a $2,237,390 grant from the U.S. Department of Education as part of the Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP). The grant, which will be administered over a five-year period, is the largest Brescia University has received in the institution’s history.

SIP helps eligible institutions of higher education become self-sufficient and expand their capacity by providing funds to improve and strengthen academic quality, institutional management, and fiscal stability.

“We are very honored to receive such a substantial grant from the Department of Education,” said Father Larry Hostetter, President of Brescia University. “It is at the heart of our mission to provide the highest quality of education for our students and the funding from this grant will help to not only enhance the environment in which our students learn, but it will allow them access to the most modern, state-of-the-art technology and resources that will serve to inspire their innovation and creativity. This grant will serve as a foundational element in the success of our 2015-2020 Strategic Plan.”

Funds will support the proposed Title III project, “Brescia 2020,” that seeks to contribute to long-term viability and sustainability of Brescia by cultivating and nurturing an academic culture that blends the tradition and heritage of a liberal arts education with modern and innovative modes of delivery in an effort to prepare students to achieve their desired career goals. The project will also foster growth and increased enrollment as well as increase retention, achievement and graduation rates through enhanced academic support services, professional development and space and technology upgrades.

Over $1.3 million of the funds will support the objective of increasing retention and graduation rates through improved student achievement and enhanced faculty development. The Ursuline Center for Teaching and Learning will be a large portion of this, consolidating services, reinventing academic advising practices, and fostering continuing education for faculty in the areas of pedagogy and instructional technology.

Forty-three percent of the total cost of the Ursuline Center for Teaching and Learning will come from federal funds.

Nearly $950,000 will help to elevate and improve the quality of the educational experience in the University’s designated “Anchor Programs” that include the Social Work program, the School of Education, the School of Business and the Life Sciences program.

Upgrades to the science laboratories will provide quality, high-impact experiences for students through the use of adaptable and modern equipment and effective classroom designs.

Approximately $500,000 of the $950,000 dedicated to improving the educational experience will cover technological advancements to the Signature Building, which is part of the Campaign for Brescia University: Gateway to Our Second Century and will bring the total money raised for the campaign to $9.2 million in less than a year since the campaign went public.

For the anchor programs, 12 percent of the total cost will come from federal funds. In total, for the two objectives addressed, the total investment of Brescia University and the Department of Education will be over $10 million.