TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida A&M University has been awarded a $399,971 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support research titled Advancing Theory in Motivational Science by Testing Spheres of Connectedness. The three-year project runs from Sept. 1, 2025 -Aug. 31, 2028, and focuses on improving college students’ academic performance and behavioral health to improve retention and long-term success.

The study is led by  Huijun Li, Ph.D., professor of psychology, and will examine how social connectedness and behavioral health intersect to shape student outcomes. As part of the project, researchers will launch Boldly RISE (Retain. Inspire. Student Excellence), a new intervention program to be integrated into FAMU’s first-year transition course.

“Freshman year is a critical period in higher education, yet nearly one in three college students do not return for their sophomore year,” Li said. “This grant will provide our team with an unprecedented opportunity to conduct applied psychological research while contributing to FAMU’s strategic plan to elevate student success outcomes, address workforce demands and provide public service.”

The project uses both a longitudinal and cluster randomization design to support FAMU freshmen by:

• Developing Boldly RISE as a retention and wellness initiative.
• Conducting behavioral health assessments for early intervention strategies.
• Training undergraduate researchers in design, data collection and communication.

The research team also includes:

• Nkechinyelum Chioneso, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology (co-PI).
• Leona Johnson, Ph.D. assistant professor of psychology and undergraduate program coordinator (co-PI).
• Jennifer Collins, Ph.D., associate provost for student success (co-PI).

Two undergraduate students will join the team, receiving training and mentorship while contributing to project implementation.

Broader impacts include the creation of datasets to enhance student training and mentoring opportunities, as well as outcomes with potential for replication at other U.S. institutions nationwide.. The work may also inform higher education policies and practices nationwide.

The team expressed gratitude for the support of  Jermaine Robertson, Ph.D. chair of the Department of Psychology; Valencia Matthews, Ph.D., dean of the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities; Gloria Spradley-Brown, director of the Office of Sponsored Research; and  Tanise Jackson, Ph.D., director of the Institutional Review Board.

By advancing theory in motivational science and testing practical strategies, the Boldly RISE project aims to foster healthier, civically engaged learning environments that prepare students to meet workforce and community needs.

Media Contact:

Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist 
ashley1.flete@famu.edu 

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