The Graceland University TRIO Talent Search program has been notified that their federal grant funding was renewed for a new 5-year grant cycle. This is a $2.157 million grant that allows Talent Search to serve 778 students in Southern Iowa and Northern Missouri for the next five years. The Department of Education receives thousands of grant applications from programs across the country. Graceland TRIO Talent Search was one of only 435 programs selected, a testament to its quality.
Talent Search 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. The Upward Bound program, Talent Search and Student Support Services formed a “trio” of federal programs designed to foster increased educational opportunity and post-secondary success.
Talent Search is an invaluable program concentrates on supporting students with a disadvantaged background to finish high school and pursue a college education. It provides a wide variety of services to students including academic advising, ACT test preparation, financial aid, career advising, study skills, and college research information.
Julie Neas, educational talent search director said, “We’re really excited to be able to serve students and to help them succeed at the post-secondary level. Our students are incredibly talented and programs like these are often scarce in rural America, so we are thrilled for this opportunity.”
Graceland University is incredibly proud of the TRIO Talent Search Program and looks forward to what the next 5 years have to offer. TRIO Talent Search services are free to qualified 6th -12th grade students in the following school districts: Cainsville, Central Decatur, Chariton, Diagonal, Lamoni, Mount Ayr, Ridgeway or South Harrison.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
October 14, 2026
Graceland University announces former vice president and long time Graceland advocate, David L Siddall, as new Chair of its Board of Trustees.
Press Release
October 12, 2026
Graceland University has promoted Paul Binnicker to Director of Operations & Strategic Initiatives, expanding his responsibilities to include the development of strategic partnerships and new initiatives designed to connect Graceland’s academic strengths with the evolving needs of employers, communities and the students the university serves.
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.
