Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) is set to receive a $1.5 million grant to expand its equestrian and athletic facilities in an effort to expand West Central Indiana Region tourism opportunities.
The Wabash River Regional Development Authority (RDA), representing a six-county region, announced that SMWC’s proposal would be one of 23 projects to be funded through the $20 million Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) program. The key initiative of the grant program is to invest in regional improvements that impact quality of life and talent retention.
“We are thrilled to be a partner in the RDA’s effort to lift up our region,” said Dottie L. King, Ph.D., president. “The grant funds will enable the College, which has long been a leader in the academic equine arena, to connect our program to the region’s growth and tourism initiatives. With Indiana’s strong and burgeoning horse industry, this is a win-win for the state, our region and The Woods.”
Plans for the funds include updating the existing outdoor and indoor equine arenas, expanding parking for horse trailers, creating a pasture management system and improving equine event amenities to attract a new level of collegiate and non-collegial state and regional competition.
SMWC is nationally known for its stellar equine program as the only equine program in Indiana to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Equine Studies, and one of only 20 equestrian colleges across the U.S. to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Equine Studies.
“This grant is a tremendous step forward to supporting and expanding the Indiana equine industry as well as the role SMWC plays in producing high-quality employees for this industry. It will provide a valuable economic boost to the Wabash Valley by expanding opportunities for local equestrian events which will generate direct income in the form of fuel, hotel, dining and shopping and indirect income in the form of supporting crop and cattle farmers as well as many other equine-based industries in the region,” Ed Ferguson, Ph.D., department chair of Equine Studies.
“Established in 1989 as the Mari Hulman George School of Equine Studies, our program is well known in the collegiate equestrian world for producing sought-after graduates to support the industry and for its success in regional and national intercollegiate horse show competitions,” said Janet Clark, Ph.D., provost. “This opportunity opens so many paths to connect our program and students in the industry as we plan to host a myriad of collegiate and semi-professional shows.”
A portion of the funds will also be used to enhance the north athletic campus with the addition of a new sprint football practice field. The creation of the field will enable the College to draw in new middle and high school competitions, bringing additional tourism opportunities to the region.
The Wabash Valley RDA covers Vigo, Clay, Parke, Vermillion, Sullivan and Knox counties and is part of a $500 million effort by the State of Indiana.
SMWC has developed long-range goals and growth strategy as part of the Aspire Even Higher Strategic Plan:
- Develop a new economic industry for the region that expands tourism and tourism revenue and brings visitors to the community from the Midwest and beyond
- Expand the equine industry’s footprint in Indiana
- Elevate the distinction of SMWC, while generating auxiliary revenue for the College, providing career opportunities for students and elevating the level of student equine competitions throughout the Midwest
- Demonstrate a commitment to strategic land conservation through implementing a land covenant while also strategically developing equine event, pasture and athletic field spaces
- Strengthen the enrollment pipeline, enhance the quality of life and work to retain college students as Indiana and the West Central Indiana Region face a nation-wide shortage of college students in the next few years; Terre Haute is home to nearly 30,000 college-age students annually