First-Generation Faculty and Staff Initiative

Students are encouraged to use Suitable to find out more information about events, workshops, and a variety of activities.  Additional information is available in the Suitable section on the F1rstGen webpage for students.

---

Mindset Matters

October 25, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm, DSU Career Development Classroom (2nd floor in the ACDC office across from ISEC)
Challenges are part of learning! Adapting to college and learning new things is hard, and that is okay. This workshop will highlight how simple persistence and the willingness to treat challenges as learning opportunities can help students succeed.  This workshop is part of the Make It Count series.
Advocate action:Encourage students who need a shift in perspective to attend.

---

National First-Gen Celebration

November 8, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, location TBD
As part of the nationwide National First-Gen Celebration, we will partner with TRIO to recognize the accomplishments of first-gen students. Check back for additional details.

---

First-Generation Alumni-in-Residence

November 13, additional details TBD
The 2023 Alumni-in-Residence program was a great success!  This year, the WKU Alumni Association in partnership with colleges, will once again welcome first-gen WKU alumni to campus to engage with students.  Check back for additional details.

---

F1rstGen Friendsgiving

November 22, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm, Fresh @ DSU Cupola Room
This informal lunch will provide the opportunity for students, faculty, staff, and alumni to connect.
Advocate action:  Drop in to meet first-gen students and offer advice as the semester draws to a close.

---

Do you have an event that would be of interest to first-generation students? Would first-generation advocates add value to your event? Use the form on this page to let us know and see how we can help.

---

Additional events are listed on the F1rst Gen page for students. You may also be interested in this list of CITL Faculty Professional Development Opportunities.

WKU defines first-generation as “neither parent graduated from a traditional four-year college.” It does not mean that you are the first one in your family to attend college. In addition, a student is considered "first generation" if the student's parents graduated with an associate's degree (two-year degree), attended college but did not graduate, or had a sibling graduate with a bachelor's degree. About 30% of WKU undergraduate students are first-generation.  Additional details are available in the downloadable/printable fact sheets. Click the images to download.

You can read the spring 2024 Professional Learning Community (PLC) book online for free courtesy of WKU Libraries.  Read it all, or select the chapters and critical conversations of interest to you.
Book: At the Intersection: Understanding and Supporting First-Generation Students 
Editors: Robert Longwell-Grice and Hope Longwell-Grice

WKU Libraries FirstGen Research Guide
This research guide is divided into the following categories:  Best Practices for Teaching, Background Reading, and Resources for Students.

FirstGen Forward Network
Click on the "Journal & Research" and " Engagement" links to see the extensive array of information available.

WKU F1rst Gen Webpage for Students
Scroll down to "Campus Resources" for information about tutoring (The Learning Center), counseling, advising, and much more. 
Click on "Get Involved" in the black bar to see information for students about upcoming events, scholarship opportunities, and more.

Sample Syllabus Wording
Consider including a statement on your syllabus indicating your advocacy for first-generation students.  If desired, the following statement can be used verbatim or with adjustments to better represent your voice and plans for students. For more syllabus tips, contact WKU CITL or refer to Designing a Motivational Syllabus (Harrington and Thomas, 2018)

If you are a first-generation college student, at WKU this is defined as someone whose parents or legal guardian did not graduate from a traditional four-year college, then you may face a unique set of challenges or have questions that may not seem to apply to other students. I want you to know that this is completely normal and I am here to support you! If you have questions about our class or about WKU in general, please contact me or visit with me in office hours. Again, I am here to support you and am excited to see you succeed at WKU!

Email Signature Graphics
Show your support for first-generation students by adding a graphic to your email signature. Click image to download.

   

   

Zoom Backgrounds
Show your support for first-generation students by using a first-generation advocate Zoom background during your next meeting. Click image to download.

    

Use list controls to Sort and Search.

First Name	Last Name	WKU Email	Position/Title	Unit/Department	First-generation student?
Chuck	Clark	chuck.clark@wku.edu	Director	Student Publications, Office of	Yes
Amy	Cardwell	amy.cardwell@wku.edu	Director, International Recruitment & Admissions	Global Learning & International Affairs	Yes
Aurelia	Spaulding	aurelia.spaulding@wku.edu	Assistant Director for Marketing Communications	Communications and Marketing	Yes
Fabian	Alvarez	fabian.alvarez@wku.edu	Assistant Professor	English	Yes
Jimmie	Martin	jimmie.martin@wku.edu	Project Director, Student Support Services, Disabilities	TRiO Programs	Yes
Rita	Samaras	rita.samaras@wku.edu	Manager, Budgets & Resources	Global Learning & International Affairs	Yes
Jeremy	Logsdon	jeremy.logsdon@wku.edu	Assistant Professor, Director of Center for Literacy	Teacher Education, School of	Yes
Brittney	Vickous	brittney.vickous@wku.edu	Clinical Assistant Professor, Externship Coordinator	Communication Sciences and Disorders	Yes
Nancy	Dinan	nancy.dinan@wku.edu	Assistant Professor	English	Yes
Lawrence	Hill	lawrence.hill@wku.edu	Assistant Professor	Chemistry	Yes
Raymond	Poff	raymond.poff@wku.edu	Professor, Recreation, Park, and Nonprofit Administration	Kinesiology, Recreation, & Sport, School of	Yes
Ritchie	Taylor	ritchie.taylor@wku.edu	Professor and CHHS Faculty Fellow for Research and Creative Activity	Public Health	Yes
Tyler	Clark	thomas.clark@wku.edu	Assistant Director of Operations	Center for Gifted Studies, The	Yes
Peggy	Crowe	peggy.crowe@wku.edu	Director	Counseling Center & Student Accessibility Resource Center	Yes
Dawn	Garrett-Wright	dawn.garrett@wku.edu	Professor	Nursing and Allied Health, School of	Yes
Cameron	Carr-Calvert	cameron.carr-calvert@wku.edu	Health Careers & Education Specialist	South Central Kentucky Area Health Education Center	Yes
Julie	Lee	julie.lee@wku.edu	Instructor II	Applied Human Sciences	Advocate
Dawn	Winters	dawn.winters@wku.edu	Instructor	English	Yes
Shauna	Jones	shauna.jones@wku.edu	Residence Hall Director	Housing & Residence Life	Yes
Mary	Bennett	mary.bennett@wku.edu	Director	Nursing and Allied Health, School of	Yes
Cathleen	Webb	cathleen.webb@wku.edu	Associate Dean	Ogden College of Science and Engineering	Yes
Denise	Hardesty	denise.hardesty@wku.edu	Director, Educational Talent Search 3	TRiO Programs	Yes
Cort	Basham	cortney.basham@wku.edu	Pedagogical Assistant Professor; Unit Leader, Interdisciplinary Studies	Leadership and Professional Studies, School of	Yes
Tammy	Younglove	tammy.younglove@wku.edu	AV Support Engineer, IOPS	Information Technology Services	Yes
Whitney	Peake	whitney.peake@wku.edu	Chair; Vitale Professor of Entrepreneurship	Management	Yes
Michelle	Elkins	michelle.elkins@wku.edu	Director, Kelly Autism Program	Clinical Education Complex	Yes
Trini	Stickle	trini.stickle@wku.edu	Associate Professor; TESL and Graduate Program Advisor	English	Yes
Amy	Wininger	amy.wininger@wku.edu	Student Wellness Navigator	Health and Human Services, College of	Yes
WesleyAnne (Wes)	Watkins	wesleyanne.watkins@wku.edu	Specialist, Global Learning Student Services	Global Learning & International Affairs	Advocate
Derick	Strode	derick.strode@wku.edu	Director	Regional Campuses; Dual Credit	Yes
Tania	Basta	tania.basta@wku.edu	Dean	Health and Human Services, College of	Advocate
Sarah	Bonis	sarah.bonis@wku.edu	Assistant Professor	Psychology	Yes
Molly	Kerby	molly.kerby@wku.edu	Assistant Provost, Institutional Effectiveness	Academic Affairs & Provost's Office	Yes
Wren	Mills	wren.mills@wku.edu	Assistant Professor	Leadership and Professional Studies, School of	Advocate
Jason	Wilson	jason.wilson@wku.edu	Instructor	Engineering and Applied Sciences, School of	Yes
Toni	Dye	toni.dye@wku.edu	Director, Global Learning Advising and Student Services	Global Learning & International Affairs	Yes
Leslie	North	leslie.north@wku.edu	Chair, EEAS; WKU Director of Sustainability	Earth, Environmental, & Atmospheric Sciences	Yes
Amy	Combs	amy.combs@wku.edu	Director of Development	Public Media	Yes
Liz	Sturgeon	liz.sturgeon@wku.edu	Assistant Director, Professor	Nursing and Allied Health, School of	Advocate
Rodney	King	rodney.king@wku.edu	University Distinguished Professor	Biology	Yes
David	Brown	david.brown@wku.edu	Dean	Ogden College of Science and Engineering	Yes
Nikki	Roof	nikki.roof@wku.edu	Creamery Technician, Agriculture Research Education Center	Agriculture & Food Science	Yes
Tanya	Vincent	tanya.vincent@wku.edu	Program Manager	Online Student Services	Yes
Jason	Boyles	jason.boyles@wku.edu	Instructor II	Physics and Astronomy	Yes
Evelyn	Thrasher	evelyn.thrasher@wku.edu	Interim Dean	Gordon Ford College of Business	Yes
Leigh Ann	Wells	leigh.wells@wku.edu	Instructor	Mathematics	Yes
Inmaculada	Pertusa	inma.pertusa@wku.edu	Professor, Spanish	Modern Languages	Yes
Dan	Clark	daniel.clark@wku.edu	Assistant Professor	Mathematics	Yes
Patrick	Brown	patrick.brown@wku.edu	Instructor	Mathematics	Yes
Kevin	Williams	kevin.williams@wku.edu	Professor and Chair	Chemistry	Advocate
Greg	Strange	greg.strange@wku.edu	Instructor, Ceramics	Art & Design	Yes
Jennifer	Holland	jennifer.holland@wku.edu	Specialist, Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement	Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement	Yes
Jessica	Basham	jessica.basham@wku.edu	Communications Specialist	Education and Behavioral Sciences, College of	Yes
Marya Davis	Turley	maryadavis.turley@wku.edu	Instructor	English	Yes
Natalie	Tyree	natalie.tyree@wku.edu	Assistant Professor, Graphic Design	Art & Design	Yes
Cyndia	Tarrence	cyndia.tarrence@wku.edu	Office Associate	Media & Communication, School of	Yes
Joseph	Shankweiler	josephj.shankweiler@wku.edu	Associate Professor	Libraries	Yes
Daniel	Boamah	daniel.boamah@wku.edu	Assistant Professor	Social Work	Yes
Mindy	Hutchins	mindy.hutchins@wku.edu	Sr. Analyst	Human Resources	Yes
Brian	Brausch	brian.brausch@wku.edu	Executive Director, TRiO Programs; Director, ETS2	TRiO and Enrollment and Student Experience	Advocate
Kathy	Foushee	kathryn.foushee@wku.edu	Interlibrary Loan Specialist, Access Services	Libraries	Yes
Andria	Henry	andria.henry@wku.edu	Office Associate	Management	Yes
Anthony	McAdoo	anthony.mcadoo@wku.edu	Executive Director, Alumni Engagement	Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement	Yes
Rodney	Hounshell II	rodney.hounshell@wku.edu	Inventory Control Coordinator	Supply Chain Management	Yes
Jean Dominique	Gumirakiza	dominique.gumirakiza@wku.edu	Associate Professor	Agriculture & Food Science	Yes
Pitt	Derryberry	pitt.derryberry@wku.edu	Professor, Co-Department Chair	Psychology	Advocate
Becky	Gilfillen	becky.gilfillen@wku.edu	Professor	Agriculture & Food Science	Yes
Melinda	Edgerton	melinda.edgerton@wku.edu	Program Manager, Chinese Flagship Program	Modern Languages	Yes
Heather	Stuart	heather.stuart@wku.edu	Assistant Director, Retention Programs	Advising & Career Development Center	Yes
Micah	Logan	micah.logan@wku.edu	Associate Director	Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning	Advocate
Katie	Carpenter	katie.carpenter@wku.edu	Coordinator, Counseling & Outreach	Student Financial Assistance	Advocate
Marrissa	Bryant	marrissa.bryant@wku.edu	Associate Director, Academic Advising	Advising & Career Development Center	Yes
Mark	Schafer	mark.schafer@wku.edu	Associate Professor, Exercise Science	Kinesiology, Recreation, & Sport, School of	Yes
Andrea	Paganelli	andrea.paganelli@wku.edu	Associate Professor, Graduate Program Coordinator	Teacher Education, School of	Yes
Jason	Polk	jason.polk@wku.edu	Professor	Earth, Environmental, & Atmospheric Sciences	Yes
April	McCauley	april.mccauley@wku.edu	Academic Program Specialist	Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning	Yes
Tanja	Bibbs	bibbstn@wku.edu	Assistant Professor and Unit Leader, Organizational Leadership	Leadership and Professional Studies, School of	Yes
Monica	Hines	monica.hines@wku.edu	BSW Instructor	Social Work	Yes
Stacy	Bibelhauser	stacy.bibelhauser@wku.edu	Associate Professor	Accounting	Yes
Kathy	Bailey	kathy.bailey@wku.edu	Coordinator, Verification & Processing	Student Financial Assistance	Yes
Ashley	Taylor	ashley.taylor@wku.edu	Assistant Director, Alumni Relations & Outreach	Gatton Academy of Math and Science	Yes
Cory	Dodds	cory.dodds@wku.edu	Specialist, STEM Scholarhips & External Research	Scholar Development, Office of	Yes
Mary	Bidwell	mary.bidwell@wku.edu	Digital Media Content Specialist	Communications and Marketing	Yes
Amanda	Trabue	amanda.trabue@wku.edu	VP, Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement	Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement	Advocate
Katrina	Burch	katrina.burch@wku.edu	Associate Professor	Psychological Sciences	Yes
Sara	McCaslin	sara.mccaslin@wku.edu	Assistant Professor, Library Public Services	Libraries	Yes
Samantha	Shemwell	samantha.shemwell@wku.edu	Coordintor, Research and Graduate Education Outreach	Research and Creative Activity, Office of	Yes
Anthony	Mancini	anthony.mancini@wku.edu	Clinical Assistant Professor	Physical Therapy, Doctor of	Yes
Destiny	O'Rourke	destiny.orourke@wku.edu	Director, Student Support Services	TRIO Programs	Yes
Taylor	Wright	taylor.wright@wku.edu	Program Manager for Independent Living	LifeWorks@WKU	Yes
Ayaka	Hisanaga-Probst	ayaka.hisanaga-probst@wku.edu	Assistant Professor	Psychology	Yes
Todd	Seguin	todd.seguin@wku.edu	Assistant Professor, Library Public Services	Libraries	Yes
Simran	Banga	simran.banga@wku.edu	Assistant Professor	Biology	Yes
Marliese	Belt	marliese.belt@wku.edu	Coordinator, Student Support Services and Budget	TRIO Programs	Advocate
Jodie	Dunkelberger	jodie.dunkelberger@wku.edu	Adjunct Professor	Nursing and Allied Health, School of	Yes
Robin	Ayers	robin.ayers@wku.edu	Instructor II	Mathematics	Yes
Ray	Blankenship	ray.blankenship@wku.edu	Chair/Professor	Analytics & Information Systems	Yes
Bob	Hatfield	bob.hatfield@wku.edu	Professor	Management	Yes
Nicholas	Barth	nicholas.barth@wku.edu	Global Learning Advisor	Global Learning & International Affairs	Yes
Ryan	Jones	ryan.jones@wku.edu	Academic Advisor, Ogden College	Advising & Career Development Center	Advocate
Emily	Sutton	emily.pride@wku.edu	Health Careers and Education Specialist	South Central Kentucky Area Health Education Center	Advocate
Andrew	Adler	andrew.adler@wku.edu	Chair, Library Collections & Discovery	Libraries	Yes
Jean	Chen	yuchun.chen@wku.edu	Associate Professor	Kinesiology, Recreation & Sport, School of	Yes
Taylor	Davis	taylor.davis@wku.edu	Professional-in-Residence	Media & Communication, School of	Yes
Angela	Nagel	angela.nagel@wku.edu	Visiting Assistant Professor	Teacher Education, School of	Yes
Tammy	Dorris	tammy.dorris@wku.edu	Specialist, Online Student Services and Outreach	Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning	Yes
Kassy	Sweeney	kassy.sweeney@wku.edu	Senior Academic Advisor	Advising & Career Development Center	Advocate
Jamie	Garden	jamie.garden@wku.edu	Counselor	Gatton Academy of Math and Science	Yes
Ashley	Edwards	ashley.edwards@wku.edu	Student Services Coordinator	Potter College of Arts & Letters	Yes
Terrance	Brown	terrance.brown@wku.edu	Dean	Potter College of Arts & Letters	Yes
Suzanne	Thomas	suzanne.thomas@wku.edu	Coordinator, Veteran Student Success	Military Student Services	Yes
Eric	Browning	eric.browning@wku.edu	Director, Clinical and Simulation Laboratory	Nursing and Allied Health, School of	Yes
Katie	Bush	kathleen.bush@wku.edu	Manager, Global Programming and Student Services	Global Learning & International Affairs	Advocate
Tracy	Jenkins	tracy.jenkins@wku.edu	Pedagogical Assistant Professor	Nursing and Allied Health, School of	Yes
Terry	Dean	terry.dean@wku.edu	Associate Professor, Dental Hygiene	Nursing and Allied Health, School of	Yes
Carnetta	Skipworth	carnetta.skipworth@wku.edu	Associate Professor	Chemistry	Yes
Stuart	Burris	stuart.burris@wku.edu	Associate Dean	Ogden College of Science & Engineering	Yes
Michelle	Jackson	michelle.jackson@wku.edu	Associate Professor	Mathematics	Yes
Matt	Pruitt	matt.pruitt@wku.edu	Professor	Sociology & Criminology	Advocate
Lindsey	Houchin	lindsey.houchin@wku.edu	Assistant Director	Scholar Development, Office of	Advocate
Cassandra	Rebman	cassandra.rebman@wku.edu	Instructor and Studio Technician, Sculpture	Art & Design	Advocate
Samantha	Sparrow Williams	samantha.williams@wku.edu	Instructor	English	Yes
Tori	Palmore	tori.palmore@wku.edu	Instructor 1	English	Yes
Cierra	Waller	cierra.waller@wku.edu	Associate Director, Student Success	Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning	Yes
Nina	Marijanovic	nina.marijanovic@wku.edu	Assistant Director, Enrollment and Brand Management	Mahurin Honors College	Yes
Catie	Weaver	catie.weaver@wku.edu	Instructional Designer II	Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning	Yes
Donielle	Heron-Lovell	donielle.lovell@wku.edu	Associate Professor	Sociology & Criminology	Yes
Marcus	Brooks	marcus.brooks@wku.edu	Assistant Professor	Sociology & Criminology	Yes
Marissa	Bruce	marissa.bruce@wku.edu	Academic Advisor, Gordon Ford College of Business	Advising & Career Development Center	Advocate
Paige	Hiltner	paige.hiltner@wku.edu	Senior Academic Advisor, Ogden College of Science and Engineering	Advising & Career Development Center	Yes
Christopher	Jensen	christopher.jensen@wku.edu	AVP for Student Success	Advising & Career Development Center	Advocate
Crystal	Bufano	crystal.bufano@wku.edu	Academic Advisor, Ogden College of Science and Engineering	Advising & Career Development Center	Yes
Scott	Clarke	scott.clarke@wku.edu	Assistant Professor, Broadcasting	Media & Communication, School of	Yes
Rhonda	Jones	rhonda.jones@wku.edu	Office Coordinator	Counseling & Student Affairs	Yes
Masami	Matsuyuki	masami.matsuyuki@wku.edu	Staff Psychologist/Training Coordinator	Counseling Center
Elias	Thompson	elias.thompson@wku.edu	Academic Advisor	Advising & Career Development Center	Advocate
Rachel	Green	rachel.green@wku.edu	Visiting Instructor, Rec, Park & Nonprofit Admin	Kinesiology, Recreation & Sport, School of	Advocate
Bethany	Smith	bethany.smith@wku.edu	Director, Educational Opportunity Centers	TRIO Programs	Yes
Laura	Hudson	laura.hudson@wku.edu	Assistant Professor	Leadership and Professional Studies, School of	Yes
John	Martin	john.martin@wku.edu	Senior Instructor	Music	Yes
John-Mark	Francis	john-mark.francis@wku.edu	Asst. Vice President for Marketing & Brand Strategy	Communications and Marketing	Yes
Gary	Hughes	gary.hughes@wku.edu	Senior Instructor	Media & Communication, School of	Yes
Bertena	Varney	bertena.varney@wku.edu	Senior Academic Advisor, PCAL	Advising & Career Development Center	Yes
Brooke	Gross	brooke.gross@wku.edu	Assistant Professor, Health Services Librarian	WKU Libraries	Advocate
Todd	Noffsinger	todd.noffsinger@wku.edu	Clinical Director	Talley Family Counseling Center	Advocate
Leigh	Johnson	leigh.johnson@wku.edu	Instructor	English	Advocate
Trish	Jaggers	trish.jaggers@wku.edu	Associate Professor	English	Yes
Nikki	Wilcox	nikki.wilcox@wku.edu	Specialist, University NAGPRA	Folk Studies & Anthropology	Yes
E Myo	Zin	emyo.zin@wku.edu	Academic Advisor	Mahurin Honors College	Yes
Michelle	Jones	michelle.jones@wku.edu	Pedagogical Associate Professor	Mathematics	Yes
Cara	Cordell	cara.cordell@wku.edu	Office Coordinator, Undergraduate Student Services & Tutoring Center	Gordon Ford College of Business Student Success	Yes
Yvonne	Abrego Natoli	yvonne.abregonatoli@wku.edu	Assistant Director	Sponsored Programs, Office of	Yes
Ali	Er	ali.er@wku.edu	Associate Professor, Director of Laser Research Lab, Biophysics Minor Coordinator	Physics & Astronomy
Cindy	Smith	cindy.smith@wku.edu	Administrative Specialist and Compliance Assistant	Institutional Equity, Office of
Chantel	Wilson	chantel.wilson@wku.edu	Institutional Equity Specialist and ADA Coordinator	Institutional Equity, Office of	Yes

Prospective Students: 

WKU Preview Days - F1rstGen Session 

Going to college is a big step, especially for students who are the first in their family to choose this path. Our first-generation session is all about the student support services available for first generation students and how to navigate this big transition. 

First Gen High School Summer Camp

The First Gen High School Summer Camp is an overnight, on campus experience designed specifically for high school students who will be the first in their families to attend college. This immersive camp features hands-on workshops, engaging activities, and mentorship opportunities aimed at building essential skills in self-advocacy, college readiness, and networking. 

 

Current Students: 

Make it Count

Make it Count (MIC) is an academic engagement series of events intended to develop professionalization, networking, self-advocacy, and socialization skills as students climb the Hill to their first career. Students who participate in qualified events in one of our guided Suitable pathways are eligible to earn up to $250 each semester in completion grants towards their WKU account.   

F1rstGen Living Learning Community

The F1rstGen LLC creates an opportunity for students to learn how to be a great college student and maximize their college experience.  Students will take courses together and learn more about major/career path options, campus resources, how to access high impact learning experiences, and how to lay a foundation for future academic and career success.  This LLC is open to any first-generation student who does not already have credit for the linked courses and is best suited for exploratory students who are not sure of their major/career path.

First 2 the Hill Academy

The First to the Hill Academy (F2HA) is an exciting cohort program for second-year students.  Our mission is to equip students with essential skills in self-advocacy, networking, social capital, and professional development. Through engaging workshops and personalized mentorship opportunities, students will connect with a supportive community of fellow first-gen students who share ambitions and experiences. F2HA offers the chance to qualify for completion grants each semester, helping ease the financial burden of higher education. 

First Advocate Mentoring (FAM) - Faculty/Staff Advocates Mentorship 

The First Advocate Mentoring (FAM) program will provide first-generation students with guidance, support, and resources from experienced faculty and staff, helping them navigate academic challenges and enhance their educational experience. FAMs will be matched in November and mentoring will begin in spring. FAMs will commit to meeting for 30 minutes twice a month starting in February through April. FAM pairs will determine a day/time to have virtual or in-person meetings.  

First Year Mentoring - Student Ambassador Peer Mentorship 

The First Gen Ambassador Peer Mentorship program connects first-year, first-generation students in the Living Learning Community with dedicated First Gen Student Ambassadors. This initiative fosters a supportive environment where students can share experiences, offer advice, and build meaningful connections. Mentor pairs will check-in weekly and meet monthly to cultivate a sense of belonging and motivation to persist in their academic journey.

F1rstGen Student Ambassadors

In addition to supporting first-generation students, ambassadors have opportunities for scholarships and engagement that can help with academic and professional goals.  Juniors preferred.  Previous involvement in F1rstGen programming or other student success programs on campus preferred.

F1rstGen Leadership Team

Cierra Waller - CITL, F2HA
April McCauley - CITL, F1rstGen LLC
Destiny O’Rourke - TRIO 
LaMario Moore - Intercultural Student Engagement Center  
Cara Cordell - GFCB
Dr. Dawn Winters - PCAL Faculty 
Jeremy Logsdon - CEBS Faculty  
Tammy Dorris - WKU Online 
Amy Wininger - CHHS Navigator 
Wayne Simpson - Career Development Center 
Zach Marcum - Alumni Association liaison  

Competencies

F1rstGen programming strives to build the following competencies.  These competencies mesh the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Career Readiness Competencies with the skills needed to excel as part of the WKU student body.

• Career & Professional Development
• Communication & Community Building
• Personal Development & Wellbeing
• Leadership & Service
• Academic Engagement & Achievement

FirstGen Forward Network Member

We are excited to be reaffirmed as part of the FirstGen FORWARD Network.  This organization, previously known as the Center for First-Generation Student Success, is dedicated to raising awareness and opportunities for first-generation students nationwide.  The First Scholars Network offers a national model for 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.

Alumni-in-Residence Program received 2024 Circle of Excellence Award from CASE

The WKU Alumni Association and its partners in the Office of the Provost, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning and each academic college have been honored by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) with a Silver award in the category of Leadership: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiatives for the First Generation Alumni in Residence Program launched in November 2023.