Texas State University has been awarded a $494,725 grant from the National Science Foundation to help increase retention, academic achievement, and career preparation for undergraduate students studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The project, supported by the NSF Hispanic-Serving Institutions: Enriching Learning, Programs, and Student Experiences program, will connect firstyear and transfer students with academic support workshops, servicelearning leadership opportunities and facultymentored research experiences.
The project’s principal investigators are Carolyn T. Chang, Ph.D., Director of Bioscience Education and Training Research, Translational Health Research Center; Paula Williamson, Ph.D., University Distinguished Professor of Biology, College of Science and Engineering; Doug Morrish, Ph.D., Associate Dean of Student Success, College of Science and Engineering; and Nick Weimer, Associate Vice Provost of Academic and Experiential Initiatives.
Building on the success of the 2020-2022 ASPIRE pilot program led by Paula Williamson, Ph.D., and Christine E. Hailey, Ph.D., which demonstrated the value of undergraduate research experiences on academic success, Hailey, professor in the Ingram School of Engineering, emphasized the importance of this expanded initiative.
“I am delighted that this NSF grant has been funded. When our college invested in the pilot phase, we saw firsthand how undergraduate research and professional development encourage our students to persist and excel,” Hailey said. “This new grant allows us to amplify that impact— supporting a large cohort of students and strengthening their pathways to be retained and success in STEM and beyond.”
Vice Provost for Academic Success Andrew Hamilton, Ph.D., noted that the new NSFfunded program aligns with Texas State University’s university-wide strategy to enhance student outcomes.
“As we continue to invest in student success at Texas State, this new NSF-funded program is a prime example of how we can expand access, opportunity, and support for STEM students,” he said. “By offering robust academic and research experiences, we are creating pathways that help more Bobcats persist, graduate, and thrive in Texas’ STEM workforce.”
Dean of the College of Science and Engineering Barrett Bryant, Ph.D., praised the program’s potential to elevate undergraduate achievement. “We are excited to see this new NSF-supported initiative expand the pathways to academic achievement for our undergraduate STEM students” Bryant said.
By focusing on critical early college transitions, the project delivers highimpact resources that address academic barriers, strengthen research skills, and cultivate leadership for undergraduate STEM students. Outcomes will be measured by validated surveys and institutional data, and results shared through publications, conference presentations, and a dedicated website.
