USAO Students to Benefit from New Million Dollar Support Program
More than half of the student body at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma qualifies for a major new federal support initiative, following the university’s first-ever successful bid for a TRIO Student Support Services grant.
The U.S. Department of Education has awarded the university $1.36 million to be distributed over five yeats, beginning September 2025. The program is designed to provide “intensive, holistic, support” to a demographic that now represents the majority of the campus population.
In a recent interview with the Program Director of TRIO’s student support services, Kendall Walker, it was noted that Fall 2023 data highlights a significant shift in the university’s makeup. Currently, approximately 52 percent of the total student body – nearly 480 students – qualify for the new services based on three specific criteria:
- 33 percent are first-generation college students.
- 15 percent are classified as low-income students.
- 4 percent are students with documented disabilities.
“This grant is a transformative investment in the students who need our support most,” said USAO President, Kayla Hale. “This new program gives us the resources we need to further our dedicated support to student so that they may succeed.”
The initiative, housed in Troutt Hall, will serve roughly 140 participants annually. It moves beyond standard academic help by offering specialized "academic support coaches" and a full-time advisement specialist to build long-term relationships with students.
Beyond graduation rates, the program aims to tackle the financial hurdles that often derail first-generation students. New services will include financial literacy education to minimize loan dependency and a "Half-Way There" celebration to boost morale for students reaching the midpoint of their degrees.
Monica Trevino, Executive Director of Grants and Special Initiatives, emphasized that the program isn't just about the 140 participants. The university plans to use data from the SSS program to evaluate which strategies work best and eventually apply those successes to the entire student body.
The university has set an ambitious goal to raise its six-year graduation rate from 34% to 44% by the end of the grant cycle in 2030.
ABOUT USAO:
The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma is Oklahoma’s only public liberal arts college. Located in Chickasha, USAO is a distinctive institution offering a challenging interdisciplinary curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. With a focus on broad-based education and civic responsibility, USAO prepares students to become well-rounded, adaptable leaders ready to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world.
Contact: Hannah Thompson | 405-574-1362