Zane State College and Muskingum University earn $5 million in Title III grant funding

Zane State College and Muskingum University have been jointly awarded $5 million in Title III grant funding to strengthen student outcomes and integrate artificial intelligence into the institutions’ curricula. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Postsecondary Education, via the Title III, Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) — Higher Education Institutional Aid, and will fund the institutions’ collaborative project, Improving Student Outcomes and Institutional Effectiveness with AI.

According to an article on Zane State College’s website, Zane State College President Joseph E. Keating Jr. was quoted as saying of the grant funding, “This important grant helps support student success. It provides additional staff that will engage students and their families to help them navigate the college enrollment process. As a first-generation college student myself, I found the landscape confusing, and students continue to struggle with this same issue. This initiative provides essential personnel that increase our service capacity across onboarding, transfer advising, and work-based learning, which our students and employers need.”

Keating added, "This grant continues Zane State College’s mission of Empowering People Through Education. We welcome every student whether you are in high school, exploring a career change, seeking to increase your skills, or curious about new and innovative technology. Zane State has a path for you.”

The joint funding will allow both institutions to improve their student outcomes, integrate artificial intelligence across curriculum, and improve faculty proficiencies. Three key activities are shared between both institutions, and each will work on these projects throughout the grant period, which will run from October 2026 to September 2031.

The first area of focus is enrollment. Both institutions will hire for new roles that will support the enhancement of enrollment and the admissions process. Zane State College will hire two new Onboarding Coaches and Muskingum University will hire a new Transfer Specialist. Each of these new individuals will guide students through placement, financial aid, advising, and registration. In addition to hiring new positions, the institutions will also invest in professional development for existing faculty and staff to aid in these efforts.

The second area of focus is supporting transfer students. Zane State College will hire two Transfer Coaches and Muskingum University will hire a Transfer Navigator. These roles will directly assist students who are transfer students into the schools or are intending to transfer out of the schools. Part of the goal is to create a transfer pipeline from Zane State College to Muskingum University, as well as to other four-year institutions. Additionally, both schools will hire a Work-Based Learning Experiences (WBLE) Coordinator, who will help connect students with local employers for hands-on experience and internship opportunities.

The third area of focus is the integration of artificial intelligence. Each school will hire an Instructional Designer who will help faculty members integrate AI into their coursework and plans. Each institution will also allow for additional stipends for 20 faculty members per year to further work toward integration. These efforts align with the recent Artificial Intelligence Literacy Framework released by the U.S. Department of Labor. 

Flavius Lilly, the president of Muskingum University, said, “At Muskingum, we believe education changes lives, strengthens communities, and expands what is possible for every learner. This partnership with Zane State College allows us to build on that mission by creating clearer pathways to degree completion, connecting students with meaningful workplace experiences, and equipping them with the skills needed to navigate a future increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. Together, we are investing in student success and in the long-term vitality of our region.”

For more information about Zane State College, visit the school’s website.

For more information about Muskingum University, visit the schools’ website.