2 | Saturday, August 24, 2024 UNK TODAY A destination for first-generation college students 40% of UNK students are first generation
TYLER ELLYSON UNK Communications
KEARNEY — The University of Nebraska at Kearney is a destina- tion for first-generation college students. That’s not just a catchy slogan. It’s a distinction students, faculty and staff take great pride in. UNK was recently recognized as a national leader in advancing first-generation student success, joining 13 other universities from across the country in the inaugural class of FirstGen Forward Network Champions. This exclusive group of higher education institutions is focused on advancing first-generation efforts and contributing to an important knowledge base of ev- idence-based practices, leadership engagement and student support. UNK is the only college or uni- versity in Nebraska to receive this recognition. “UNK has always been a home to first-generation students. Our work with FirstGen Forward for- malized our efforts and our com- mitment to student success. I am proud that UNK has been recog- nized as a Network Champion and that the dedication and hard work of our staff is being acknowledged on a national level,” said George Holman, associate vice chancel- lor for student affairs. An initiative of FirstGen For- ward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Suc- cess, the network provides a three- phase approach to first-generation student success by engaging and empowering higher education in- stitutions to transform the first- gen student experience, advance academic and co-curricular out- comes and build more inclusive institutional structures. Network Champions receive professional development oppor- tunities, expert guidance and ac- cess to resources and innovation grants. “As a Network Champion, UNK showed a commitment to
Above: The University of Nebraska at Kearney provides a support system and sense of community that allows first-gen students to achieve their academic and professional goals. Right: First-gen status is a badge of honor at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where roughly 4 in 10
students can proudly claim this distinction. ERIKA PRITCHARD PHOTOS , UNK COMMUNICATIONS
actively adopt the continuous improvement model and align their efforts with institutional priorities to guide first-gener- ation students to completion,” said Stephanie Bannister, vice president of FirstGen Forward. “Not only is UNK doing excellent work to support their own first- generation students, but they continue to provide support and add to evidence-based practices that serve as a model for all those working to support this popula- tion in higher education.” First-gen status is a badge of honor at UNK, where roughly 4 in 10 students can proudly claim this distinction. The university cel- ebrates their successes each year during the First-Gen Day event
on campus and hosts an annual Cultural Unity Conference that brings high schoolers from differ- ent backgrounds together to learn about leadership, professional de- velopment and higher education. The UNK First Generation Leadership Team supports these students through a comprehen- sive enrollment and success plan, and there are numerous campus resources available, including TRIO Student Support Services, Academic Advising and Career Development, success coach- ing, peer mentoring and tutoring. Students can also participate in the First-Gen Trailblazer Acad- emy, a weeklong “practice run” that prepares incoming Lopers for their first semester on campus
and boosts their confidence as they transition to college. Formed in 2021, the First-Gen Lopers student organization strengthens these connections between students, faculty and staff while increasing the sense of first- gen pride on campus. The group hosts First-Gen Friday Lunches and other events throughout the academic year, providing a social network and support system for first-gen students. “First-generation students at
UNK possess the skills needed to be successful in higher education. The sense of community that has been established through the stu- dent organization, along with the holistic approach to support pro- vided by faculty and staff, make UNK a great place for these stu- dents to tap into their potential and achieve their academic, personal and professional goals,” said Aaron Estes, senior director of the Loper Success Hub and co-chair of the First Generation Leadership Team.
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter maker