Queens University of Charlotte receives $2.2M federal grant for academic programs, student support services

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Queens University of Charlotte will use a $2.2 million federal grant to focus on programs and initiatives designed to ensure students graduate from college.

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Jennifer Thomas

Staff Writer- Charlotte Business Journal

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Queens University of Charlotte has received a $2.2 million federal grant to invest in academic programs and enhance student support service.

The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Education and is part of the agency's annual awards to colleges and universities that focus on ensuring college students — including those from diverse backgrounds — reach graduation.

"As a student-focused institution, Queens is very intentional about our students' persistence, engagement and success," says Pamela Davies, president.

The grant will be disbursed over five years and support Queens in three areas: academic support services, student-faculty interactions and digital learning environments. Initiatives include expanding peer mentoring and tutoring programs, and finding ways to use software to identify students who may quit school before earning their degree. A summer program will be created to help students succeed in university classrooms.

Queens also will revise its general education curriculum to cluster various courses around themes or issues. That will help the university expand courses that engage students in undergraduate research.

Queens plans to use $370,000 to create an endowment to continue these efforts. A matching gift program will be established.

The private university has about 2,100 students.

Jennifer Thomas covers retail, health care and education for the Charlotte Business Journal.