What happens when funding strategy and student success goals align?
Public institutions often face pressure to "do more with less," leading to shrunken ambitions and stalled strategic plans. But Sul Ross State University (SRSU), nestled in West Texas with fewer than 3,000 students but deep community roots, has partnered with Ellucian Grants Services (EGS) to flip the script — securing over $43.5 million in competitive grant funding since 2018. The result? Increased retention, innovative academic programs, expanded student services across campuses, and national recognition for transforming outcomes for students. It's more than just a comeback story; it's a model of what’s possible when strategic vision meets sustained investment.
Retention, Infrastructure, and Access Challenges
Like many rural and regional public universities, SRSU found itself at a crossroads. Demographic shifts, underfunded infrastructure, and inequitable access to student support services presented complex barriers to student persistence and institutional growth. These pressures were compounded by limited capacity to pursue — and manage — competitive federal grants.
- Declining Enrollment and Retention: By Fall 2019, undergraduate enrollment at SRSU had fallen nearly 19% from 2016. Retention and graduation rates trailed peer institutions.
- Limited Student Support at Regional Campuses: The Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Uvalde campuses served a growing transfer student population but lacked the services available at the campus in Alpine.
- Fragmented Graduate and Online Program Infrastructure: Graduate programs operated in silos, and online courses often lacked instructional design support, leading to inconsistent quality.
- Capacity Constraints for Grant Development and Implementation: With minimal infrastructure, SRSU struggled to pursue and effectively manage large Federal grant projects.
A Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Growth
To address these systemic challenges, SRSU partnered with EGS in 2018 to embed a long-term grant strategy within its institutional framework and developed a collaborative approach to secure high-value grants that directly advanced SRSU’s strategic priorities.
"[EGS] has been integral to growing grants revenue at SRSU," Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Bernardo (Bernie) Canteñs said. "This funding moves us forward in achieving our student-focused priorities."
The partnership included hands-on support for proposal development, faculty training, and post-award management — ensuring each award could be successfully planned, implemented, and evaluated. With a clear roadmap for sustained support, SRSU rapidly evolved from a passive grant recipient into an active, competitive applicant with growing capacity.
Outcomes Fueled by Strategic Funding
This partnership approach has translated into real, measurable outcomes across the institution, positioning SRSU as a compelling example of how smaller regional institutions can use grant funding to catalyze transformation.
- $43.5+ Million in Grant Funding: More than $33.6 million from the U.S. Department of Education, with seven major awards from the Hispanic-Serving Institutions Division alone.
- Retention and Enrollment Gains: Retention rose from 48% in 2019 to over 58% in 2024, with some grant-supported cohorts reaching 86%. Enrollment rebounded to pre-pandemic levels.
- Expanded Access and Equity: Full-service student support offices were launched across the campuses in Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Uvalde, bridging gaps in service delivery and creating a more equitable experience throughout the region.
- Graduate Program Growth: New master's and certificate programs launched in high-demand fields like forensic science, border security, logistics, and environmental studies. Two new doctoral programs — the first to be offered at SRSU — are underway, including an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and a collaborative Ph.D. in Range and Wildlife Sciences.
- Online and Technology Innovation: Grant funds supported modernized classrooms, broadband access, laptop distribution, upgraded labs, and Quality Matters training for 46 faculty to enhance digital learning.
National Recognition: In October 2024, SRSU was certified as a Seal of Excelencia institution, acknowledging its strategic and effective efforts to serve Latino students.
Strategic Grants as an Engine of Transformation
SRSU didn't just win grants — they used them to reshape their future. In partnership with Ellucian Grants Services, SRSU's transformation shows the power of strategic funding to drive lasting impact. From expanding student services to launching new programs or upgrading infrastructure, targeted grants can catalyze sustainable growth.
How Ellucian Can Help
When your mission drives your funding strategy, transformational change follows. Ellucian's expert Grants Services team helps institutions secure and leverage funding to achieve lasting impact. Learn more about Grants Services and request a consultation.
