Muskingum News

Muskingum University will receive $1,031,039 in Choose Ohio First (COF) program funding from the Ohio Department of Higher Education. With this award, Muskingum has received more than $4 million in COF grant award funding over the last four years.

“Muskingum University is proud to lead this effort to strengthen the healthcare workforce, improve educational access, and support the region’s economic vitality. The COF initiative is set to make a lasting impact on the University, its students, and the broader Appalachian community,” said Provost Jennifer Dugan. “As an institution historically committed to educational access and affordability, Muskingum continues to pursue our mission in ways that contribute to the thriving future of Ohio."

ODHE provides funding to Ohio’s colleges and universities to strengthen Ohio’s talent pipeline in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) occupations and related industries. Participating universities and colleges award scholarships to students desiring a certificate, associate degree, baccalaureate degree, or graduate degree in eligible STEM and STEM education fields.

Muskingum will utilize its COF funding to support its Healthcare Workforce Preparation Pathways and Partnerships in Appalachian Ohio initiative. This program is a pivotal part of the university’s strategic plan, aiming to enhance educational opportunities, foster workforce development, and address critical healthcare shortages in Ohio.

The grant will support scholarships for an estimated 100 students across eight healthcare-related degree programs. These programs include biology, biochemistry, nursing, medical laboratory studies, and the innovative Master of Occupational Therapy program. The initiative spans traditional undergraduate, adult non-traditional, and graduate education, emphasizing accessibility and reducing barriers for students.

“We appreciate the continued support from the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s Choose Ohio First program. This new award recognizes the successes we have had supporting and developing our STEM scholars since our first COF grant in 2008,” said Paul S. Szalay, Ph.D., Chair, Division of Natural, Applied, and Health Sciences. “This year’s award helps us continue serving the educational and career development needs of our COF students as we prepare them to impact the future of healthcare in Ohio.”

Undergraduate students who are interested in learning more about Muskingum’s Choose Ohio First scholarship can visit https://www.muskingum.edu/financial-aid/science-scholarships. Graduate and Muskingum Adult Program students interested in the program can inquire about the Choose Ohio First scholarships with the Office of Graduate and Continuing Studies.