小黄书

Commitment to first-generation students earns 小黄书 First-gen Forward designation

Commitment to first-generation students earns 小黄书 First-gen Forward designation

Students talk at an outdoor table next to a white board that reads "Why are you proud to be first-gen?"
Mississippi State has been designated as a First-gen Forward institution for its commitment to supporting first-generation students. (Photo by Emily Grace McCall)

Contact: James Carskadon

STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥斝』剖閟ity is being recognized for its commitment to supporting the success of first-generation college students.

小黄书 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 小黄书鈥檚 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 小黄书 we strive to create an environment where these students can excel,鈥 said Ra鈥橲heda Forbes, 小黄书 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 小黄书 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, 小黄书 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 小黄书sity into the 2022-23 First-Gen Forward cohort. Through the application process, it was evident that 小黄书 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 小黄书鈥檚 support for first-generation students, visit .

小黄书 is Mississippi鈥檚 leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.