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BETHANY-- Bethany College has received more than $2 million to renovate its library, creating a spot for centralized services.
Bethany College has been awarded $2,200,154 through the 2023 Title III Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) grant. This grant aims to propel Bethany College "towards a future of enhanced student success, academic excellence, and streamlined student services," according to college officials.
The "Building Connections for Student Success and Excellence in Advising" project sets ambitious goals across academic programs, institutional management, and fiscal stability, they continued.
A significant portion of the grant will be invested in renovating the T.W. Phillips Memorial Library, with a focus on integrating advising and educational experiences and centralizing student services.
The entire project is expected to cost $2,410,154, according to the school.
The state-of-the-art student center to be constructed "will focus on fostering a conducive environment for students to receive personalized guidance and support," the officials state.
The grant also will implement innovative strategies and data-driven approaches to enhance student success and retention. This includes implementing a new CRM (customer relationship management) system to centralize essential data, train employees, and establish proactive advising practices.
"In receiving this substantial federal grant, Bethany College takes a momentous leap towards our shared vision of fostering student success and enhancing educational opportunities," said Bethany President Dr. Jamie Caridi.
"This grant is not just a financial boost. It represents a profound commitment to our students and their future.
Through the 'Building Connections for Student Success and Excellence in Advising' project, we are not only renovating physical spaces but also transforming lives."
An executive director of student success and advising will be hired to serve as the director for the center and the Title III project director. Three academic advisors with experience in higher education advising will be hired.
While all of the academic advisors will be skilled at serving at-risk and underrepresented populations, one will be specifically dedicated to and have experience in multicultural advising "via a diversity, inclusivity, and belonging lens," according to the officials.
The release spells out that 91% percent of the project will be financed with federal money.
The $2,200,154 received from the SIP grant will be dispersed over five years with $1,990,154 to be used towards excellence in academic advising, including a new CRM system, initial staffing and training, and the renovation and outfitting of library spaces.
The other $210,000 will go towards Bethany's endowment with a 9% or $210,000 non-federal match -- making a total of $420,000 for the College's endowment. Bethany will absorb additional costs over the grant period, including staffing, and will be self-sustaining after the grant concludes.
"With the infusion of this grant, Bethany College is poised to make transformative strides in the realm of education.
Through strategic initiatives, technological advancements, and unwavering commitment, Bethany College is paving the way for a future where every student can thrive and succeed," according to college officials.