TRIO Staff Advocate for Students at COE鈥檚 Policy Seminar
By Audrey Neal | Mar 27, 2025
TRIO staff from Murray State University traveled to Washington, D.C. March 16-19, 2025, to participate in the Council for Opportunity in Education鈥檚 (COE) annual Policy Seminar. This important event brings together TRIO professionals, alumni, and students from across the country to advocate for federal support of TRIO programs and share the impact these programs have on first-generation, low-income, and students with disabilities.
Murray State鈥檚 TRIO delegation included Leigh Conyers, Upward Bound Director; Stephen Keene, Student Support Services Program Advisor; Audrey Neal, Talent Search Director; and Justin Thomas, Talent Search Assistant Director, who joined other advocates in meeting with congressional representatives to discuss the importance of continued funding and policy support for TRIO programs. These meetings provided an opportunity to highlight the success of Murray State鈥檚 TRIO initiatives and to ensure that lawmakers understand the critical role TRIO plays in expanding educational access and success.
TRIO programs, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, serve students who face barriers to higher education. At Murray State University, TRIO includes Talent Search, Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math Science, Student Support Services, and the McNair Scholars Program. These programs provide academic support, college and career counseling, tutoring, financial literacy education, and mentoring to help students achieve their educational goals.
While in D.C., Murray State鈥檚 TRIO staff emphasized the need for increased federal investment in TRIO to keep pace with rising educational costs and growing student needs. They shared student success stories, data on program effectiveness, and the long-term benefits of TRIO initiatives for individuals and communities.
In addition to advocacy efforts, the Policy Seminar offered valuable professional development opportunities. Attendees participated in policy briefings, heard from education policy experts, and engaged in discussions on best practices for supporting TRIO students. These experiences reinforced the commitment of Murray State鈥檚 TRIO staff to ensuring that all students have the resources and support they need to succeed.
Murray State University TRIO remains dedicated to advocating for students and the programs that serve them. The Policy Seminar was a powerful reminder of the collective strength of the TRIO community and the importance of continued engagement with policymakers. Through these efforts, Murray State TRIO staff are helping to secure a brighter future for the students they serve.