GRANT NEWS                                         Oklahoma State Regents  for Higher Education    October 2014
                                 
Last year the colleges and universities in Oklahoma higher education obtained over $600 million in external funding for creative and innovative research and programs. We and the students are grateful for your impact on the students in our higher education institutions with your energy, expertise and willingness to apply for grants! Good work, Oklahoma faculty and administrators! For this, we are thankful!

Dr. Linda Mason
Coordinator of Grants
Oklahoma State Regents
In This Issue
OCCC GRANT
CSC GRANT
RCC GRANT
SE GRANTS
LU GRANTS
OCU GRANT
NSU GRANTS
UCO GRANTS
OCCC GRANT

OCCC logo Gamel Family - $600,000

The family of Ralph and Jean Gamel, longtime supporters of Oklahoma City Community College, recently awarded the largest individual gift in the college's 42-year history. The funds will be used exclusively to provide OCCC students scholarships. The college will award up to 10 $1,000 Gamel Family Endowed Scholarships every fall and spring semester. The purpose of the funding is to change students' lives for years to come through education.

CSC GRANT

US Department of Education - $5 million

Connors State College was recently awarded a five-year Title III grant. Connors was one of only a few institutions in the U.S. to receive the entire $5 million. Other awarded institutions received less than half of that amount. Connors will use the funds to develop online and hybrid courses in various disciplines, develop comprehensive online support services, and to create a Native American Success and Cultural Center.Many of Connors' students have work and family responsibilities. Forty-eight percent work, and 53 percent are single parents. The online courses currently offered fill quickly, indicating students' need for flexible class options.

RCC GRANT
Redlands Logo OK NASA EPSCoR & OK NASA Space Grant Consortium - $500,000 (RCC, OU & TCC)

Redlands Community College has been selected by the Oklahoma NASA EPSCoR Program and Oklahoma NASA Space Grant Consortium to pilot the first community college "Mission to Mars" inquiry-based learning program. They will be bringing the NASA experience into the classroom through simulation experiences complete with mission commanders and NASA program objectives. Students can select one honors course experience from the areas of chemistry, biology, microbiology and physics. The honors experience will include a live simulation of working in a NASA command center complete with mission briefings and project assignments. This partnership with NASA is an extension of educational excellence abounding Redlands. Students will be exposed to learning experiences designed to stimulate critical thinking yet at the same time having fun while learning. Students who complete Mission to Mars will be encouraged to continue their NASA experience by applying for the summer program. The summer opportunity will require students to submit resumes and complete a formal interview. The top students selected will be eligible for summer housing, academic scholarships, and internship experiences. the director of the Oklahoma NASA EPSCoR Program and Oklahoma NASA Space Grant Consortium is Victoria Duca Snowden.

ATTENTION!
Remember the Council on Grantsmanship and Research as well as the Committee for the Advancement of Grants will meet on February 19, 2014, at the OSU Research Week. Come early to take in some of the great presentations! See http://researchweek.okstate.edu/.
  
Sincerely,
  

Dr.Linda Mason
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
 SE GRANTS

US Small Business Administration - $116,057

Dr. William Carter, State Director of the Oklahoma Small Business Development Center and Southeastern Oklahoma State University received funding to provide small business management advising to entrepreneurs throughout Oklahoma. The program is funded through a partnership with the USSBA, Oklahoma's public universities, and funds appropriated by the Oklahoma Legislature that are administered by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Oklahoma Small Business Development Center (OKSBDC) also partners with many other organizations including Chambers of Commerce, local and regional economic development entities, and Oklahoma's Native American tribes. The statewide OKSBDC program is hosted by Southeastern Oklahoma State University which partners with other universities to provide business advising, training, and technical support throughout the state. OKSBDC provides services to over 4000 Oklahoma entrepreneurs each year which results in increased business growth, employment, and economic vitality. OKSBDC is a key aspect of economic development efforts of higher education in Oklahoma.

  

Oklahoma Department of Commerce - $245,405

Dr. William D. Carter and SE also received funding to provide small business management consulting to entrepreneurs through Oklahoma. OKSBDC is a significant component of economic development efforts of higher education in Oklahoma.

 

US Department of Education - $398,848

  Leslie C. Wesberry, Connect2Complete Project Director and Native American Center for Student Success Projector, and Project Co-Director, Tim Boatmun, Academic Advising and Outreach Center Director, and Southeastern received funding to increase the retention and graduation rates of Native American students attending Southeastern; to provide faculty, staff, and student professional development regarding Native American students; to renovate key areas on campus; and to provide assistance with advanced degrees. The project is awarded to the University based on its significant percent of Native American students attending SE. With the assistance of the Native American-Serving Nontribal Institutions Grant, Southeastern will be able to reach more Native American people and enhance their capacity to serve students.

 

US Department of Education - $449,255

The Strengthening Institutions Project, Generating Retention through Advisement and Digital Technology (Project GRAD) Director is Daniel A. Moore, Executive Director/CIO Information Technology The five-year grant was awarded to Southeastern to increase retention and graduation rates through the implementation and upgrades of technology. The five-year grant includes two new full-time employees, faculty training for distance education, technology infrastructure updates and distance-learning enhancements. The project is designed to improve and strengthen the academic quality, institutional management, and fiscal stability.

 

Oklahoma Arts Council - $4,900

Dr. Tristan Eggener, Assistant Professor Music, and SE received funding to fund the annual Musical Art Series. Acts to be funded include Slideshow Trombone Ensemble, Multi-instrumentalist Todd Green, Percussion Group of Cincinnati, Akropolis Reed Quintet, and Jazz Saxophonist Ralph Lalama. These performers will each present evening concerts and a performance at a public school.

  

Mid-America Arts Alliance - $5,000

Dr. Tristan Eggener and SE also received funding for the Regional Touring Program. This grant will help pay costs for touring pianist Rosario Andino. A recital and master class will be presented.

 

SE Hensley
Sarkeys Foundation via the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness Foundation - $7,500.00

Scott Hensley, Project Director and Director of Career Management Center and Continuing Education, and Heather Smiley, Smart Start Coordinator, and SE received the funds to recruit and retain the services of a parent coordinator who will work with the Smart Start Coordinator. The parent coordinator will work to build relationships with targeted parent population, recruit parents for local parent network, establish parent coalition, seek input from parents, empower parents to inform change and empower parents to implement change.    

 

US Department of Education Student Support Services - $213,180.00

Project Director Susan Dodson and SE received grant funds to provide a variety of services to low-income, first generation college students and to students with disabilities, including tutoring, personal and academic counseling, cultural experiences, teacher career guidance/experiences, enrollment assistance, specially designed workshops, and special services for students with disabilities. In addition to these services, the program strives to develop a supportive institutional climate, which combined with the services provided, will lead to increased retention and graduation rates of the program participants. This year, approximately 20 students per semester will receive Student Support Services Grant Aid funds to help reduce dependency upon loans. The Grant Aid supplement totals $10,000 for the 2014-2015 academic year. This project is funded to serve 133 eligible students. 

 

US Department of Education Student Support Services - $345,130.00

Susan D. Dodson and SE received funding to provide a variety of services to low-income, first generation college students and students with disabilities. These services include tutoring, personal and academic counseling, cultural experiences, career guidance, enrollment assistance specially designed workshops, and special services for students with disabilities. In addition to these services, the program strives to develop a supportive institutional climate, which combined with the services provided, will lead to increased retention and graduation rates of the program participants. This year, approximately 60 students per semester will receive Student Support Services' Grant Aid funds to help reduce dependency upon loans. The Grant Aid supplement totaled $35,635 for the 2014-2015 academic year. This project is funded to serve 300 eligible students.

 

US Department of Education - $395,337.00

Kris Simpson and SE received funding for the Talent Search Program. The purpose of the project is to identify 861 eligible youth in 2014-2015 and assist them in successfully completing secondary school, entering and completing a postsecondary educational program. The Talent Search service area is McCurtain, Choctaw, Bryan, and Marshall Counties in southeastern Oklahoma. The participants are from grades six through 12 who meet federal guidelines. Educational Talent Search was first funded at Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 1978. Five full-time staff members provide seminars, workshops, and individual counseling in areas related to encouraging educational achievement. The topics include: Career Exploration, Study Skills, Learning Styles Identification, College Readiness, Test Preparation, College Admissions Information, Financial Aid Application Procedures, Tutorial Assistance, and Cultural Awareness.

 

US Department of Education Office of Indian Education - $1.1 million

Southeastern recently received funding for Native American Excellence In Education (NAEIE) Early Childhood Teacher Preparation. SE will partner with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and the Chickasaw Nation. It will serve 12 Native American Education majors pursuing degrees in Early Childhood and/or Special Education.

 

US Department of Education Educational Opportunity Centers Program - $486,136.00

Teriki Barnes and SE received funding for assistance and information for adults who seek to enter or continue a program of post-secondary education. Services include counseling on educational opportunities, post-secondary admissions, test prep, career options, student financial aid assistance, financial literacy counseling, tutoring, and coordination with other agencies and post-secondary institutions. The Southeastern Oklahoma State University's Educational Opportunity Center serves 1,620 adults in 10 counties in southern Oklahoma (Love, Carter, Marshall, Bryan, Atoka, Coal, Pittsburg, Pushmataha, Choctaw, and McCurtain) and in Grayson County, Texas with six full-time staff members and part-time technical assistants and tutors. The current proposal is in the fourth year of a five-year grant. Southeastern Oklahoma State University Educational Opportunity Center was first funded in 1991.

 

US Department of Education - $250,000

Larry Dresser and SE received funding for the Texoma Upward Bound to serve 56+ freshmen, sophomore, juniors, and seniors. The pur pose of the grant is to generate skills and motivation necessary for success in education beyond high school for students from first generation, low-income families who have need for academic support. Approximately 56+ students will attend a summer session of six or eight weeks. During the academic year, Texoma Upward Bound will offer these students tutoring, mentoring, and trips for cultural and educational enrichment. The summer staff will include the regular staff: Director, Assistant Director, Academic Coordinator, two Academic Advisors, Office Assistant, plus nineteen Teachers, one Dorm Supervisor, and three Tutor/Mentors.

 

Upward Bound Math-Science - $294,150.00

Larry Dresser and SE received funding for the Upward Bound Math-Science project to provide comprehensive services, designed to increase high school graduation rates, increase competency in challenging subject matters, encourage eligible students to pursue math and science studies and careers, and help gain parental participation in the growth of their children to 66 eligible participants per year who meet Federal guidelines. These participants will be selected from eight surrounding counties in southeastern Oklahoma and Grayson County Texas. During the academic year, participants will be offered tutoring and trips for cultural and educational enrichment. Summer faculty/instructors will be assigned to provide hands-on scientific experience, mentoring, field experiences, research, and laboratory experiments, career exploration, recreation/physical education, and additional liberal arts curriculum. The summer staff will include the regular staff: Director, Assistant Director, Academic Coordinator, Academic Advisor, Office Assistant, Dorm Supervisor, three Tutor/Mentors and 10 Teachers and Math/Science Specialist.

 

SE Paiva National Science Foundation - $44,761.00

Dr. Nancy L. Paiva, Associate Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry, Computer, and Physical Sciences, and SE received funds to support a second offering of a new workshop, Summer Science Research Experience for Native Americans, to provide introductory science research experience for Native American students at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. The students also earn two elective credit hours, under a Special Studies course CHEM 4972 "Introduction to Research". The goal of the workshop/course is to give the students some experience with basic research skills in a small group setting, including data analysis and presentation, and to take them to visit research labs and graduate departments throughout the state to help them learn about future intern and research opportunities. The goal is to help retain these students in STEM majors by exposing them to exciting scientific research experiences early in college.  

LU GRANTS                               

 

NSF via OSU - $161,250

Dr. Sharon Lewis and Langston University received funding for the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

  

ONEOK - $1.5 million

ONEOK's gift to Langston University will fund scholarships in the Accounting Department that will be awarded to well-deserving students with financial needs. It will also fund a new professorship in the Accounting Department. Over the past three years ONEOK has developed a strong relationship with the Accounting Department. ONEOK routinely recruits Langston Accounting students for their internship program. The internship program helps prepare students for post-college success through in-the-field training and additional learning experiences in the oil and natural gas industry. In most cases, these internships turn into full-time positions at ONEOK. In addition to the large amount given to the accounting department, ONEOK's support has reached across campus with a portion of the gift allocated to a marquee and video scoreboard and a new entrance sign. 

OCU GRANT                               
Oklahoma City Community Foundation iFund - $18,000    

The Oklahoma City Community Foundation has named Oklahoma City University's Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Arts Management as a recipient of the iFund Opportunities for Children grant for its Community Dance Center. Since 2008 the Community Dance Center has provided a unique service - quality dance education available to those unable to afford or access traditional dance classes. A typical year of tuition at a dance studio costs, on average, more than $500. The Community Dance Center is able to provide much-needed scholarships and offer classes for $60 annually to qualifying applicants. Dance classes are taught primarily by students enrolled in the dance pedagogy program at Oklahoma City University. Student instructors become master teachers before they graduate while providing quality dance education and training to an underserved population.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!                                     
                                                                   
NSU GRANTS
US Department of Education Talent Search - $230,000

 

Diane Walker and Northeastern State University received funding for the Education Talent Search-Broken Arrow Campus to identify disadvantaged youth with potential for college, encourage them to complete secondary school and undertake post secondary education, to publicize existing forms of student aid, and to provide tutoring.

  

NSF via OSU - $43,357/yr 2014-2019

NSU Buckholtz

Dr. Jody Buckholtz and Northeastern State University received funding from the National Science Foundation for their Alliance for Minority Participation. The project will contribute to the national agenda to increase the number of underrepresented minorities receiving B.S. degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

 

 NSF via OSU - $9,362

Alisa Douglas and NSU received funding from the National Science Foundation for the American Indian Science & Engineering Society to assist students with travel experiences to AISES National Conference in Orlando, Florida November 12-17, 2014.

 

Department of Health & Human Services for Children and Families through The Research Foundation for the State University of New York, Albany - $735,000

NSU Whitekiller

Dr. Virginia Whitekiller and NSU received funding for the Child Welfare Specialization Training Program, a program of diverse child welfare workforce, specifically Native Americans. The desired outcome is for a more effective and efficient bridge between both organizations toa support and enhance tribal child welfare services. This collaboration will include ongoing workforce training as well as a workforce entry and retention plan.  It will include 8 BSW traineeships per year for a total of 40 awards over the 5 year period. 

 

AT&T Oklahoma - $20,000

Dr. Tobi Thompson and NSU received funding for distance tutoring for 20 students in grades 9-12 who attend Watts and Westville Public Schools. The Capitola "Cappi" Wadley Center for Reading and Technology would work to donate tutor training and supervision to the faculty at Watts and Westville to assist in reading, educational apps or other computer-based literacy enhancement programs that students could use to supplement skills.

 

OSRHE - $7,000

Dr. Tobi Thompson and NSU received funding for Elementary Reading/Early Childhood Literacy to increase reading skills in elementary ELL (English Language Learners) students at Rocky Mountain Elementary School in Stilwell.


 

Mayo Clinic Arizona - $38,350

Dr. Fritz Laux and NSU received funding from Mayo Clinic for the NATO CAP Stars-Mayo Clinic to research understudied aspects of state and community tobacco control policy and media interventions.

 

OUHSC OTRC-Ok Tobacco Research - $77,000  

 

 Dr. Fritz Laux and NSU received funding for the OTRC Scholar. The project will promote Oklahoma-based scholarly research on tobacco control and addiction.  Dr. Laux will be involved in the production of academic research and will also advise state, local and tribal officials on issues of tobacco policy making. 

 

Nuttall Ornithological Club - $5,000

Dr. Mia Revels and NSU received funding for Bird-related Adventures 2015. The project will engage students who are interested and excited about birds and other aspects of natural history through field trips and other endeavors. 

 

OSRHE - $11,225

Dr. Deborah Landry and NSU received funding for Riverhawk Academy for Future Teachers 2014 to provide outreach initiatives to attract high school students to the profession of education and teaching careers.  Students will participate in a variety of activities that will help them to understand better what teachers do and to provide teaching experiences.

 

OSRHE - $7,000

 Dr. Vanessa Anton and Dr. Lisa Tritschler and NSU received funding to recruit local area high school students to become teacher candidates in specific shortage areas. The College of Education will also recruit undeclared freshman and sophomores at NSU.

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UCO GRANTS

US Department of Veterans Affairs - $134,494

UCO received funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs under the Grants for Adaptive Sports Programs for Disabled Veterans and Disabled Members of the Armed Forces Program. The grant will help fund three UCO programs - the UCO Endeavor Games, Adventure Therapy and USA Para-Powerlifting. The UCO Wellness Center will use a portion of the grant to fund half of the salary for a full-time staff member to oversee military sport programs and USA Para-Powerlifting. The UCO Wellness Center is the high-performance management organization for USA Para-Powerlifting.

  

National Science Foundation via OSU - $43,000

 

Dr. Greg Wilson, Director of the Office of Research and Grants, and UCO received funding for the Oklahoma Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Phase 5, a project is to participate in Alliance goals and objectives and the number of scholars supported.