On July 14, 2015, Graceland University Director of Student Support Services, Cathie Hosie, received calls from Iowa Senators Tom Latham and Chuck Grassley to notify her that Graceland University was once again successful in the grant competition for the TRIO program known as Student Support Services (SSS).
Hosie, who authored the grant, submitted the 100+ page grant document to the Department of Education on Jan. 27. The grant process for TRIO programs is highly competitive with funds only available for 968 college programs throughout the entire nation.
The TRIO programs were the first national college access and retention programs to address the serious social and cultural barriers to education in America. TRIO began with the Upward Bound Program as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “War on Poverty.” Then the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965 created grants, loans and other programs, such as Talent Search, to help students acquire education beyond high school. In 1968, the third piece of the “trio” was the development of Student Support Services.
Graceland University is excited to continue the strong 37-year history Graceland has built with the SSS program. The new grant cycle will provide 1.5 million dollars over the next five years to provide program services to increase the retention and graduation rates of the 180 first-generation, low-income Graceland students served by the program.
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.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
April 10, 2026
Graceland University and the Community of Christ announce the retirement of Campus Minister Mike Hoffman, and the appointment of Doug Roberts as the university’s next Campus Minister, effective June 2026.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
March 13, 2026
Graceland University is saddened to share the passing of Trustee Dr. Julia “Julie” Snethen, a respected nurse scientist, educator, and member of the university’s Board of Trustees whose life and career were dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children and families.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
March 11, 2026
Graceland University has announced the promotion of longtime team member Steve Edwards to Executive Director of Marketing, recognizing more than three decades of service and leadership that have helped shape the university’s communications and brand.
