Graceland University TRIO SSS staff: (from left to right) Trish Collins, Donna Hurt, Leslie Robinson, Carlie Briganti
Graceland University Director of Student Support Services, Donna Hurt, received notice from Senator Grassley’s office Aug. 5 that Graceland University was once again successful in the grant competition for the TRIO program known as Student Support Services (SSS).
Cathie Hosie, retired director who authored the grant, submitted the 100+ page grant document to the Department of Education in January. The grant process for TRIO programs is highly competitive with funds only available for 1,131 college programs throughout the entire nation.
The Upward Bound (UB) Program, the first federal TRIO Program, was created in 1964 while a year later, Talent Search (TS) was created as part of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to assist students applying for newly authorized federal financial aid for postsecondary education. The TRIO name itself was born four years later when the Higher Education Act of 1965 was amended in 1968 to include the Special Services for Disadvantaged Students program—what is now called Student Support Services (SSS). UB, TS and SSS formed a “trio” of federal programs designed to foster increased educational opportunity and attainment. Since 1968, the TRIO programs have been expanded to provide an even wider range of services.
“The TRIO team is excited to begin recruitment to replace last year’s graduates,” shared Donna Hurt. “New programming and services are underway that will help us be more impactful in our retention efforts than ever before. We have exciting plans for a collaborative campuswide celebration of National First Generation College Celebration Day Nov. 6. Stay tuned for ways you can be involved in this exciting event!”
Graceland University is excited to continue the strong 42-year history Graceland has built with the SSS program. The new grant cycle will provide $1.7 million over the next five years for program services to increase the retention and graduation rates of the 180 first-generation, income eligible Graceland students served by the program. Program services include academic advising and support, multiple tutoring options, assistance in understanding and applying for federal financial aid, a one-credit hour Steps to Success course each semester, graduate school planning, access to technology, cultural trips, a text book library and much more!
Press Release
September 8, 2026
Students interested in becoming athletic trainers now have a faster and more affordable path to a master’s degree through a new partnership between Graceland University and Grand View University. The new program offers both 3+2 and 4+2 options for earning both an undergraduate degree in Allied Heath from Graceland followed by the Master of Science in Athletic Training from Grand View.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
September 2, 2026
Graceland University mourns the passing of Professor Emerita Dr. Phyllis O’Daniels, who died Sept. 1, 2026. An alumna, longtime faculty member and university leader, O’Daniels dedicated nearly 40 years to serving Graceland and its students.
Press Release
August 31, 2026
Graceland University and Logan University have established a new 3+3 articulation agreement that provides Graceland Allied Health students with an accelerated pathway to earning both a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
July 20, 2026
Michelle Fillinger ’97 Schamp has been named Associate Dean and Executive Director of Residence Life. In this role, she will provide leadership for the university’s residence life program while fostering a residential experience that supports student learning, leadership, and community.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
July 6, 2026
Graceland University has named Dr. LaVerne Manos as the new Dean of the School of Nursing effective July 31.
Administration and Staff, Athletics, Press Release
April 14, 2026
A transformative era for Graceland University men’s basketball has reached its natural turning point. After engineering one of the most impactful rebuilds in program history, head coach Todd Lorensen has accepted the head coaching position at Rockhurst University. In response, Athletic Director Brady McKillip has elevated Associate Head Coach Matt Dickman to lead the Yellowjackets forward.
