QU Receives Federal Grants for STEM

by Barbara Schleppenbach, PhD ’71

The leaders of tomorrow are learning on the QU campus today.

Now, thanks to two prestigious grants from the federal government, they will have additional support and resources to succeed in the sought-after fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The National Science Foundation awarded $650,000 to the QU LEADERS program for a five-year project to increase recruitment and academic achievement of low-income, academically talented students majoring in the areas of Biology, Biological Sciences, and Chemistry. LEADERS (Learning with Emphasis on Academics, Developmental Experiences, and Research in STEM) provides scholarships as well as specialized mentoring and enrichment activities to improve retention, graduation rates, and postbaccalaureate success.

The grant, which was announced on May 30, 2018, will be directed by Joe Coelho, PhD, professor of biology; Caitlin Deskins, PhD, assistant professor of chemistry, and Michelle Combs, PhD, assistant professor of biology, will also carry out project activities.

NSF GRANT PROVIDES:

• Scholarships for 20 students

• Mentoring and enrichment activities

• Outreach activities to rural high high schools

• Campus STEM career fairs

TITLE III PART A GRANT PROVIDES:

• Labs for the new Cybersecurity and Business Analytics majors

• Math lab and collaboration space

• Active learning classrooms

• Resources for undergraduate research in STEM

• Undergraduate research symposium

• Endowment to support scholarships

These grants speak highly of our dedicated and professional faculty who work hard everyday to ensure that each of our students get a quality educational experience." —Phil Conover

On October 1, 2018, QU received a $2.25 million grant from the U.S. Dept. of Education’s Title III Part A Strengthening Institutions program. The second Title III award in QU’s history, Expanding Student Access to STEM will fund development of new majors in sought-after areas of computer science and business analytics, along with support for the teaching of mathematics and undergraduate research.

Like the previous Title III grant (2003 – 2008), this award will enable the institution to transform teaching and learning through the use of educational technology and best practices validated by research. The five-year project, directed by Barbara Schleppenbach, PhD, associate professor of communication, will include development of curriculum, construction of new labs, and enhancement of math and science classrooms.

“Quincy University is honored to be awarded these two federal grants valued at close to $3M,” said QU President Phil Conover. "They complement our platform of growth and goal of long-term sustainability.

Through the grants, Quincy University will be able to help students better prepare for careers in STEM professions and we will be better suited to meet the needs of employers in our region.”

Both grant proposals were explicitly designed in response to the needs of the area community. Both addressed improved access to education in STEM areas and the preparation of graduates for employment in high-demand careers in which the region is likely to experience shortages.