Lyon College receives $1.9 million grant to launch Thriving Scots Program

Lyon College has received a $1.953 million Title III Strengthening Institutions grant from the U.S. Department of Education to launch the Thriving Scot Program. The five-year initiative aims to support many first-year students through comprehensive residential learning communities and enhanced data infrastructure, improving academic performance and retention.

The Thriving Scot Program is part of the college’s focus on economically disadvantaged and first-generation students, who often face unique challenges in accessing a private liberal arts education.

“Lyon College is dedicated to providing students with the tools and resources they need to excel academically and personally. This funding represents a pivotal moment for Lyon College. The Thriving Scot Program will empower our students with the resources, support and opportunities they need to succeed academically, preparing them to take on leadership roles in their chosen professions and in their communities” said Dr. Melissa Taverner, Lyon College president. “We are proud to take this significant step forward in our commitment to student success and institutional excellence.”

The Thriving Scot Program focuses on two key areas, residential learning communities (RLCs) for first-year students and enhancing the college’s data infrastructure for student success.

Lyon College will create 10 RLCs to provide wrap-around support, fostering community and improving academic outcomes for students whose background might make college more challenging. The RLCs will integrate career exploration and service-learning opportunities. Students will enroll as cohorts in shared general education courses and receive guidance from a team consisting of a first-year advisor, faculty mentor, peer coach and community development intern.

Lyon will expand its data warehousing capabilities by hiring an academic data specialist to develop reports and dashboards that track student performance and retention. Faculty and staff will be trained to use real-time data to identify and address student needs, ultimately improving retention and graduation rates.

Through the program, Lyon College projects improvements in first-year grade-point averages, fall-to-fall retention rates and four-year and six-year graduation rates. The program also aims to increase overall persistence among second- and third-year students.

“Lyon College is well-known for the success of our graduates and the way we guide and support students who might not otherwise have access to the high-quality educational experience that we offer. This grant will provide additional key resources to address some of the most pressing challenges our students face,” said Provost Dr. Anthony Grafton. “By creating supportive residential learning communities and leveraging data-driven insights, we are committed to ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have the tools they need to succeed.”

The Thriving Scot Program concept originated in the Lyon College Student Success Committee, a collaborative group of academic and student support professionals at the college. The committee identified the critical needs of academically underprepared students and developed the program to provide comprehensive support designed to improve the students’ academic and personal outcomes.

“The Thriving Scot Program will be a game-changer for many of our students,” said Director of First-Year Advising Tamija Tucker-Mayes. “We are cultivating a community that prioritizes the success of every student and strives to show them that they are entering an environment that is conducive to learning and fosters a sense of belonging. I am thrilled to be part of this initiative.”

Dr. David Hutchison, vice president for advancement, expressed gratitude for the support from the Arkansas legislative delegation.

“We are deeply thankful to the members of our legislative delegation for their continued advocacy and support, which helped secure this vital funding. Their efforts play a critical role in our ability to deliver quality education and support to our students,” Hutchison said.