Morehead State University has secured a $60,000 planning grant from the Kentucky Student Success Collaborative, an initiative of the Council for Postsecondary Education, according to an announcement from moreheadstate.edu. The funding places the institution among five public colleges and universities in the state tasked with redesigning support systems for undergraduate students who are also parents.
The grant requires a nine-month continuous improvement process focused on balancing coursework with childcare responsibilities. Participating campuses must develop affordable childcare solutions through campus-based centers or local partnerships with early childhood providers. Additional requirements include a comprehensive needs assessment, partnership development, an action plan, implementation activities, and a final reporting phase.
Building Infrastructure for Student Parents
Morehead State officials note that this is the first time the university has received this specific award.
“We pursued this grant because such a large portion of our students are parents and need access to resources and information that will assist them in being successful in the classroom,” said Jen Timmermann, director of adult and transfer admissions. “Completing a degree requires so much more than academic commitment. Oftentimes, it requires external assistance such as community resources and wraparound support.”
Matthew Hyden, executive director of Adult & Regional Education, detailed several core components tied to the funding. The university plans to publish a dedicated student guidebook, train academic advisors specifically on parenting-student needs, and establish outreach resources for students who discover they are expecting a child.
There is also a dedicated space on campus for parenting students, currently under development, that will eventually open in Room 206 of the Adron Doran University Center.
“MSU understands the realities of balancing college and family responsibilities,” Hyden said. “The University is actively creating support systems rather than expecting students to navigate challenges alone. You don’t have to choose between being a parent and earning your degree.”
Upcoming Information Sessions
To reach affected students, Morehead State has scheduled informational events across its main Morehead campus and at MSU at Prestonsburg throughout November and December. Students can review schedules via the official MSU event calendar.
The Office of Enrollment Services handles inquiries regarding adult and returning student services. Interested applicants can reach out directly via admissions@moreheadstate.edu or by calling 606-783-2000, while prospective students can access application portals at www.moreheadstate.edu/apply.
