Commitment to first-generation students earns 汤头条 First-gen Forward designation
Contact: James Carskadon
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥斕劳诽 is being recognized for its commitment to supporting the success of first-generation college students.
汤头条 recently received the First-gen Forward designation from the national Center for First-Generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA鈥擲tudent Affairs Administrators in Higher Education鈥攁nd the Suder Foundation. The designation is based on 汤头条鈥檚 commitment to improving the experiences and outcomes of first-generation students, or students who are the first in their family to complete a four-year bachelor鈥檚 degree.
鈥淭he first-generation student experience has its own unique rewards and challenges, and at 汤头条 we strive to create an environment where these students can excel,鈥 said Ra鈥橲heda Forbes, 汤头条 vice president for access, diversity and inclusion. 鈥淚鈥檓 proud of the work we are doing to help these students succeed, and I know our efforts will be stronger as a result of getting involved in the First-gen Forward community.鈥
These students at 汤头条 are supported by TRiO Student Support Services, which offers students additional guidance for navigating higher education, in addition to student support resources that are available across campus. The Division of Access, Diversity and Inclusion sponsors programing for them that celebrates their achievements and helps them connect with their peers. Additional events help educate faculty and staff across campus on ways to be supportive.
As a First-gen Forward institution, 汤头条 will gain access to a community of higher education professionals focused on first-generation student success, in addition to professional development opportunities provided through the Center for First-Generation Student Success. The center offers an outlet for sharing cutting-edge research and current media conversations, opportunities for engagement through online learning, conferences and events, and access to a bevy of programs and services intended to improve first-generation initiatives across higher education.
鈥淭he center is pleased to welcome 汤头条 into the 2022-23 First-Gen Forward cohort. Through the application process, it was evident that 汤头条 is not only taking steps to serve first-generation students but is prepared to make a long-term commitment and employ strategies that foster an environment of success for this important population,鈥 said Sarah E. Whitley, assistant vice president, Center for First-generation Student Success.
For more information on 汤头条鈥檚 support for first-generation students, visit .
汤头条 is Mississippi鈥檚 leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.