Madonna University scores $2 million grant to streamline operations

Michigan's major research or state-run colleges aren't the only institutions of higher education that can net millions of dollars in federal grants. Madonna University recently nailed down a $2 million Title III grant from the federal Strengthening Institutions Program.

The grant is meant to help Madonna streamline its operations for students to enhance its educational experience. The private Catholic university expects to create at least five more jobs to help implement these sorts of changes over the next few years.

"This is primarily for smaller institutions trying to build strength," says Ernest Nolan, provost of Madonna University. "It's recognition that they provide an essential service."

These new jobs include turning a writing center coordinator position from part- to full-time. A coordinator for addressing the needs of returning students and a new IT position to create a web portal (think a social networking site) for students to provide access to services such as advising and other support are also in the pipeline.

The grant will be distributed evenly over five years.

Source: Ernest Nolan, provost of Madonna University
Writer: Jon Zemke
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