Andrew College, the small Methodist college in Cuthbert about an hour south of Columbus, has won a nearly $3 million federal grant, one of the largest in the school's 172-year history.

The five-year, $2,999,900 award comes from the U.S. Department of Education's Title III Strengthening Institutions Program. The program helps eligible colleges improve how they serve students and run their operations.

It arrives as Andrew is growing quickly. Enrollment hit a record 710 students this fall, nearly triple the 247 students the college had in fall 2022.

"This is a transformational investment in Andrew College and, most importantly, in our students," said Andrew College President Dr. William R. Kennedy.

What the money will do

The grant funds a project the college calls "From Access to Advancement: An AI-Enhanced Model for Workforce Readiness and Student Success." It runs from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2031.

The college says it will use the money to:

• Bring artificial intelligence tools into teaching and learning to help students succeed in class
• Build "stackable credentials," shorter certificates students can earn one at a time and build toward a degree
• Strengthen career pathways that prepare graduates for jobs in a more technology-driven workforce

The release doesn't break down how much will go to each area.

A rural college on the rise

Since 2022, Andrew has added bachelor's degree programs and new majors, expanded campus housing and athletics, and invested in programs aimed at regional workforce needs, according to the college.

Kennedy said the grant is also about keeping opportunity close to home in rural southwest Georgia.

"We serve many students for whom a college education can change the trajectory of an entire family," he said. "We believe strongly that students should not have to leave rural communities behind to gain access to an innovative, high-quality education."

He credited Dr. Calandra Lockhart, the college's vice president for academic affairs, with leading the grant application.

A piece of Georgia history

Andrew College has deep roots. The Georgia General Assembly chartered it in 1854 as Andrew Female College. That was the second charter in the United States allowing a school to grant degrees to women. It's named for Bishop James Osgood Andrew of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and it's one of the oldest colleges in Georgia.

The college became coeducational in 1956. Its historic campus, home to the landmark Old Main building, includes several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, Andrew offers associate, bachelor's and certificate programs. It's affiliated with The United Methodist Church and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Why it matters for the Columbus area

Cuthbert, the seat of Randolph County, is part of the same regional workforce area as Columbus. The Georgia Department of Labor groups Muscogee, Randolph and six other west Georgia counties together for job planning. More trained graduates in the region means a bigger talent pool for employers across the Chattahoochee Valley.