Lyon College has received a $1,953,609 Title III Strengthening Institutions grant from the U.S. Department of Education to launch the Thriving Scot Program.
According to a release from the college, the program is “a five-year initiative aiming to support many first-year students through comprehensive residential learning communities and enhanced data infrastructure, improving academic performance and retention.”
The Thriving Scot Program is “designed to build on Lyon’s commitment to supporting economically disadvantaged and first-generation students, who often face unique challenges in accessing a private liberal arts education. The program will enhance the college’s efforts to support students, aiming to improve their first-semester grade-point average, retention rates, and overall graduation rates. By addressing these areas, the Thriving Scot Program aligns with Lyon College’s strategic goals to increase student success and ensure that every student can fully benefit from a Lyon degree,” the release said.
“Lyon College is dedicated to providing students with the tools and resources they need to excel academically and personally. This funding represents a pivotal moment for Lyon College. The Thriving Scot Program will empower our students with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed academically, preparing them to take on leadership roles in their chosen professions and in their communities,” said Dr. Melissa Taverner, Lyon College president. “We are proud to take this significant step forward in our commitment to student success and institutional excellence.”
The Thriving Scot Program focuses on two key areas: residential learning communities (RLCs) for first-year students and enhancing the college’s data infrastructure for student success.
Lyon College will create 10 RLCs to provide wrap-around support, fostering community and improving academic outcomes for students whose background might make college more challenging. The RLCs will integrate career exploration and service-learning opportunities. Students will enroll as cohorts in shared general education courses and receive guidance from a team consisting of a first-year advisor, faculty mentor, peer coach and community development intern.
Lyon will expand its data warehousing capabilities by hiring an academic data specialist to develop reports and dashboards that track student performance and retention. Faculty and staff will be trained to use real-time data to identify and address student needs, ultimately improving retention and graduation rates.
Through the program, Lyon College expects significant improvements in first-year grade-point averages, fall-to-fall retention rates and four-year and six-year graduation rates. The program also aims to increase overall persistence among second- and third-year students.
“Lyon College is well-known for the success of our graduates and the way we guide and support students who might not otherwise have access to the high-quality educational experience that we offer. This grant will provide additional key resources to address some of the most pressing challenges our students face,” said Provost Dr. Anthony Grafton. “By creating supportive residential learning communities and leveraging data-driven insights, we are committed to ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have the tools they need to succeed.”
According to the release, the Thriving Scot Program concept originated in the Lyon College Student Success Committee, a collaborative group of academic and student support professionals at the college. The committee identified the critical needs of academically underprepared students and developed the program to provide comprehensive support designed to improve the students’ academic and personal outcomes.
“The Thriving Scot Program will be a game-changer for many of our students,” said Director of First-Year Advising Tamija Tucker-Mayes. “We are cultivating a community that prioritizes the success of every student and strives to show them that they are entering an environment that is conducive to learning and fosters a sense of belonging. I am thrilled to be part of this initiative.”
Dr. David Hutchison, vice president for advancement, expressed gratitude for the support from the Arkansas legislative delegation.
“We are deeply thankful to the members of our legislative delegation for their continued advocacy and support, which helped secure this vital funding. Their efforts play a critical role in our ability to deliver quality education and support to our students,” Dr. Hutchison said.
The Title III Strengthening Institutions Program helps eligible higher education institutions expand their capacity to serve economically disadvantaged students by providing funds to improve and strengthen the institution’s academic quality, institutional management and fiscal stability. The program plays a vital role in addressing educational inequities and promoting student success in higher education.
Image provided by Lyon College
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