Cuthbert, GA (October 5, 2026) – Andrew College has been awarded a five-year, $2,999,900 Title III Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) grant, one of the largest federal grants in the College’s history.

The grant will support Andrew College’s project, From Access to Advancement: An AI-Enhanced Model for Workforce Readiness and Student Success, and will provide significant resources to strengthen the College’s ability to serve students, improve student success, and better prepare graduates for an increasingly technology-driven workforce.

“This is a transformational investment in Andrew College and, most importantly, in our students,” said Andrew College President Dr. William R. Kennedy. “Over the past several years, we have worked intentionally to grow enrollment, expand academic opportunities, and position Andrew College to meet the changing educational and workforce needs of southwest Georgia and beyond. This grant gives us additional resources to take the next major step in that work.”

The five-year project will run from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2031. The grant was awarded under Title III, Part A of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, through the Strengthening Institutions Program.

The project will focus on using technology, including artificial intelligence-integrated learning, to strengthen student learning, stackable credentials, and professional workforce pathways which will enhance the College’s capacity. The investment will allow Andrew College to build upon the momentum of recent years while developing new approaches to preparing students for a rapidly changing workplace.

The award comes during a period of significant growth at Andrew College. Fall 2026 enrollment reached a record 710 students, up from 247 students in Fall 2022. During the same period, the College has expanded its bachelor’s degree offerings, added new academic programs, increased residential capacity, expanded athletics, and continued investing in programs designed to meet regional workforce needs.

For Andrew College, the Title III award also represents an investment in rural higher education and the communities the College has served since its founding in 1854. “Andrew College has always had a special mission,” Kennedy said. “We serve many students for whom a college education can change the trajectory of an entire family. We are located in rural southwest Georgia, and we believe strongly that students should not have to leave rural communities behind to gain access to an innovative, high-quality education. This grant will allow us to bring additional resources and opportunities directly to the students and communities we serve.”

“This award is the result of a tremendous amount of work by members of the Andrew College community,” Kennedy added. “I am grateful to everyone who contributed to the development of this proposal and helped articulate a vision for what Andrew College can become. I especially want to recognize and praise our Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Calandra Lockhart, for her leadership in guiding the process on behalf of Andrew College. Her commitment to our students and her vision for the future of the College were instrumental in bringing this opportunity to fruition. Nearly $3 million is a significant investment, but what excites me most is what that investment will mean for our students over the next five years and for the future of Andrew College.”

The Title III Strengthening Institutions Program provides federal support to eligible institutions of higher education to strengthen their capacity to serve students and improve institutional effectiveness.

About Andrew College

Rooted in a tradition of academic excellence, spiritual development, and service, Andrew College offers students a supportive and transformative educational experience. Founded in 1854 and located in Cuthbert, Georgia, the college is affiliated with The United Methodist Church and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Andrew College offers Associate, Bachelor, and Certificate programs designed to prepare students for meaningful careers and lifelong learning.

Federal Funding Acknowledgment: This project is supported by the U.S. Department of Education under Title III, Part A of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. The five-year project is funded in the amount of $2,999,900.