Unexpected Federal Funding Cuts hit the Geology Department

By: Libby Foster, Skyline Contributor 

ALPINE - The sudden loss of vital federal funding has affected the Sul Ross State University geology program. This funding was intended to support scholarships for geology students to complete a field camp, a requirement to complete their degree. 

As of last year, Sul Ross was informed that Title III and Title V federal grants were cut. The grants were specifically designed to assist smaller institutions and underrepresented student populations. Due to the cuts, professors and students are left to find their own solutions to fill this financial void. 

Rather than succumbing to this challenge, students, faculty, and alumni are hosting their first annual “Geo Fest” this March to raise funds and build connections within the community. They hope this event will cover most of the cost for the field camp. 

The geology field camp, a six-week capstone course, takes students into the field where they gain valuable experience by creating geologic maps and conducting high-level, hands-on research. Just as a communications student completes a research project at the end of their degree, this geology research project is designed to be part of their workplace experience after college.  

“We have to charge fees to cover transportation, food, and housing for six weeks. Two summers ago, the Title III grant paid for all of that, and scholarships for tuition. We were hoping that would carry on to Summer 2026.”said Thomas Shiller, associate professor of geology. 

The abrupt cuts put many students in stressful positions, as they had already had conversations about receiving scholarships that were suddenly withdrawn. Even while being one of the most affordable field camps in Texas, the “out of pocket” cost without the grant scholarships remains a barrier for students.  

Carissa Chambers, a graduate geology student, knows exactly what is at stake. During her graduate studies, federal funding enabled her to focus on her thesis and research rather than work a full or part-time job, which would have required time and money away from her studies. 

“These Title III and Title V funds really helped level the playing field for smaller institutions like Sul Ross,” said Chambers, “Larger universities have more access to resources and support from large gas and oil companies. When our support disappears, it directly affects our retention and the students’ ability to complete their degrees.” 

Chambers is now a teaching assistant, which has allowed her to see firsthand the stress and hardships these students are facing. Chambers said, “It’s disheartening. I see students facing the same financial burdens I faced in 2015, before we had this funding. Some are fortunate enough to have parents who can fund a field camp, but not everyone does. Field camp is a requirement, and for some, it may become unattainable without financial help.” 

The loss of federal funding forced the department to develop a reliable, definitive way to support its students. Scheduled for March and aiming to raise at least $20,000 to cover scholarships for 8 to 10 students heading into field camp this summer, Geo Fest was planned to avoid unpredictable federal grants and to secure reliable community and corporate sponsorships. 

“We realized we can't raise this kind of money through bake sales. We need corporate and community sponsors. But more importantly, we want to bring the geology program to the community. It’s going to be a fun and family-friendly event." said Shiller. 

The future vision for Geo Fest is to make it an annual event with educational booths, games and activities, food vendors, as well as possibly live music. The department hopes this will inspire the next generation of geologists by showcasing the beauty of geology. 

Despite the challenges, the geology department is turning this situation into a positive one. These funding cuts are part of a broader conversation about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives nationwide. The faculty at Sul Ross is choosing what they can control: their attitude, their education, and relying on the strength of the community. 

"Our professors have studied under the biggest names in the country. We provide hands-on training that many large universities don't offer. We have world-class geology in our backyard. Geo Fest is our way of showing that off to the community." said Chambers. 

The department has set up a website for donations, which are guaranteed to go directly to the students' field camp fund. As the program continues to prepare for the field camp in March, they are excited to show the community what the Sul Ross Geology department is all about.