Arkansas Tech University is one of 18 institutions from across the United States selected by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) for the third cohort of the AASCU Student Success Equity Intensive (SSEI).
According to information provided by AASCU, the SSEI “is a comprehensive multi-year initiative designed to help institutions close the equity gaps” among underrepresented populations and low-income students.
By participating in the program, ATU representatives will have the opportunity to interact with peers from similar institutions and work with those peers to develop solutions that will increase higher education access and success for identified populations.
Dr. Jeanine Myers, ATU associate vice president for academic affairs, is leading Arkansas Tech’s engagement in the AASCU SSEI.
“Arkansas Tech University is pleased to have the opportunity to participate in this important program,” said Myers. “As an institution that serves a largely rural area, we must be intentional in pursuing approaches that serve our students, their specific needs and their post-graduation goals. I look forward to working with my colleagues at ATU and around the country in pursuit of innovative ways we can increase retention and graduation for all students, regardless of background.”
Myers is joined on ATU’s SSEI team by Dr. Russell Jones, interim president; Dr. Alejandra Carballo, professor of Spanish; Malik McBride, assistant dean of multicultural student support; Kevin Solomon, dean of student engagement; Scott Tomlin, coordinator of Tech Learning Center; Wyatt Watson, director of institutional research; and Dr. Georgeanna Wright, University Honors director and associate professor of health informatics.
AASCU noted in a news release that “participants will have access to resources, such as online modules and webinars, and receive support from subject matter experts in data analytics, equity, student success, advising, institutional transformation and strategic and systems planning.”
SSEI is supported by funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
“AASCU is proud to continue promoting post-secondary student success among America’s new majority at state colleges and universities,” said José A. Cabrales, AASCU’s executive in charge. “Since 48 percent of undergraduates at AASCU institutions are students of color, this expansion of SSEI is a powerful investment in helping diverse students succeed in college and beyond.”
Learn more at https://aascu.postsecondarytransformation.org.
