University of Evansville receives federal funding to launch student support services initiative

The University of Evansville has received an initial $1 million in federal funding from the US Department of Education to implement the TRIO Student Support Services program. TRO Student Support Services is designed to assist students who are first-generation college students, students from low-income backgrounds, and those who have disabilities, all for the purpose of helping them succeed in their college journeys.

According to an article on the University of Evansville’s website, Mary Kessler, who serves as the Acting Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, was quoted as saying of the new program and the individual has been chosen to lead it, "TRIO Student Support Services represents a powerful investment in our students and in the University of Evansville's mission to support access, opportunity, and success. This program strengthens our ability to meet students where they are and provide the tools and guidance they need to reach their full potential. We are especially excited to welcome an internal leader into this role. Tracy brings deep knowledge of our students, a strong commitment to student success, and a proven dedication to the University of Evansville community. She is exceptionally well-positioned to build and lead this program with vision, compassion, and excellence."

Tracy Gerth, who previously served as the university’s Assistant Director of the Center for Career Development, has been with the university since 2022. She will oversee the program and its initial implementation, and will coordinate campus collaboration, oversee federal compliance, and the student services the program will provide.

The overall goal of the TRIO Student Support Services programs that are available around the country is to support students through various resources that will increase student retention and graduation rates, particularly for students who face a variety of systemic barriers, such as those who have disabilities or come from low-income backgrounds.

The University of Evansville’s TRIO program has been designed to serve 140 students each year. It will provide support services like academic tutoring, financial aid advising, financial literacy classes, career readiness, graduate school preparation, and cultural enrichment opportunities like community events and museum visits to help students broaden their worldviews.

For more information about the University of Evansville, visit the school’s website.