According to Dr. Eric Funasaki, the dean of Research and Sponsored Programs and an associate professor of Mathematics at Sul Ross State University (SRSU), the university has secured nearly $20 million in active grant funds over the past 10 months, out of a total of more than $40 million. Since June 1, 2022, SRSU has initiated 17 grant-funded projects under the guidance of 14 different project directors, with a combined award amount of $19,247,191.
The university currently has 33 active projects, directed by 25 project leaders, with a total award amount of $42,793,083. Dr. Funasaki attributes the recent success of SRSU in acquiring grant funds to the dedication and participation of university faculty and staff in developing grant proposals, as well as the ongoing partnership with Ellucian Grant Services.
The grants support a variety of projects, such as improving technology across SRSU’s four campuses, creating new degree programs and certificates, funding research for faculty and students, and supporting pre-college programming to encourage high school students to pursue post-secondary education. The Borderlands Research Institute, Center for Big Bend Studies, Small Business Development Center, Industrial Technology, Department of Visual and Performing Arts, Department of Psychology, Department of Chemistry, and Department of Education are among the beneficiaries of the grant funds.
Dr. Bernie Cantens, executive vice president and provost, emphasized that much of the grant money goes towards improving the academic experience for SRSU students, including projects such as the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, which received $1.3 million in funding, and “Creating a Culture of Care” at the Rio Grande College, which received $2.9 million.
For more information about SRSU’s grant-funded projects, contact eric.funasaki@sulross.edu.
Big Bend Times 