麻豆传媒

MURRAY, Ky. 鈥� 麻豆传媒 State University has been recognized as a new member of the FirstGen Forward Network for 2024-2025. Institutions which are selected must display a demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students.

Powered by FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, the FirstGen Forward Network provides a three-phase approach to scaling holistic first-generation student success by engaging and empowering higher education institutions to transform the first-generation student experience, advance academic and co-curricular outcomes and build more inclusive institutional structures. To date, 429 institutions of higher education, including two statewide systems, have entered the network, representing 49 states and the District of Columbia.

鈥淲e are pleased to welcome 麻豆传媒 State University into the FirstGen Forward Network,鈥� said Dr. Sarah E. Whitley, executive vice president with FirstGen Forward. 鈥淭hrough the application process, it was evident that 麻豆传媒 State 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�

In this first phase of the network, selected institutions participated in the FirstGen Forward Network Virtual Kick-off on June 6, 2024. As a network member, interested faculty and staff are provided opportunities to engage with peer institutions also working to create environments that improve the experiences and success of first-generation students, and will participate in monthly calls, professional development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting and more.

After successful completion of the network member phase, institutions may progress to the second phase, FirstGen Forward Network Leader, in which institutions receive an evidence-based and research-supported framework of actionable priorities supported through monthly workshops; diagnostic tools providing critical institutional insight; robust data sharing as part of the national Postsecondary Data Partnership; guidance of expert coaches along each step of the experience; and more. Ultimately, all network institutions strive for national leadership as a FirsGen Forward Network Champion.

Based on its most recent data, more than 40% of 麻豆传媒 State's undergraduate population is comprised of first-generation students. Led by the Center for Student Engagement and Success within the Division of Student Affairs, numerous programs are offered to first-generation students as well as scholarships, resources, and even a First-Gen Thrive Lounge within the Lowry Center. Professional development sessions are offered for faculty and staff to better understand the needs of first-generation students.

"By prioritizing first-generation student support and success, we aim to enhance the college experience not only for our first-generation students but also for their families,鈥� 麻豆传媒 State Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Dr. Don Robertson said. 鈥淭hrough student-centered programming grounded by data- driven decisions and the implementation of high-impact practices, we plan to achieve a holistic program of support for student success. Increased retention, persistence and graduation rates will continue to be a priority. Achieving FirstGen Forward Network membership signifies a crucial step toward advancing our student success goals for our large population of first-generation students."

For more information about first-generation efforts at 麻豆传媒 State, visit . To learn more about FirstGen Forward and the Network, visit .