FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 22, 2020

PULASKI, Tenn. – Martin Methodist College (now the University of Tennessee Southern) is proud to announce it has been awarded a five-year Title III Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) grant, totaling over 2 million dollars. 7th District Congressman Mark Green (R-TN) visited the UTS (formerly MMC) campus to present the award in person to UTS (formerly MMC) President Dr. Mark La Branche and a group of community leaders. The SIP helps eligible higher education institutions become self-sufficient and expand their capacity to serve low-income students by providing funds to improve and strengthen the academic quality, institutional management, and fiscal stability of eligible institutions.

UTS (formerly MMC) plans to utilize the grant funds for Improving Martin through Programs, Access, Case Management, and Technology (Project IMPACT). The grant will allow UTS (formerly MMC) to offer and support new STEM majors in Computer Information Systems, Cybersecurity, and Public Health Education. Over the five-year period, the grant will allow UTS (formerly MMC) to strengthen the technological infrastructure of the institution, modernizing technology in labs and classrooms. The grant will also help in tracking student success.

“This award and the opportunity to unite with the UT System will accelerate and secure a broader, sustainable, and expanded capacity to serve low-income students, with a strong eye toward not only economic but personal development as productive citizens,” said La Branche. “It was an honor to present UTS (formerly MMC) with a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education,” said Congressman Green. “This funding will go far for the Martin Methodist community, and I look forward to watching the College continue to grow in its mission in the years ahead. Congratulations to all the students, faculty, and staff at Martin Methodist on this well-deserved recognition.”

The University of Tennessee Southern, formerly Martin Methodist College, is the newest member of the University of Tennessee System. Founded in 1870 , UTS offers (number of degrees) associate, baccalaureate and graduate degrees. UTS is located on an historic campus in Pulaski, among the beautiful rolling hills of southern Middle Tennessee. The University of Tennessee Southern is convenient to both Nashville (70 miles north) and Huntsville, Alabama (40 miles south).

Martin Methodist College
Susan Carlisle
Director of Publications and Website Development
scarlisle@martinmethodist.edu
(931) 424-4063/fax (931) 363-9867