The University of Nebraska at Kearney is a destination 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 evidence-based practices, leadership engagement and student support. UNK is the only college or university in Nebraska to receive this recognition.
“UNK has always been a home to first-generation students. Our work with FirstGen Forward formalized our efforts and our commitment to student success. I am proud that UNK has been recognized 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 chancellor for student affairs.
An initiative of FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, the network provides a three-phase approach to first-generation student success by engaging and empowering higher education institutions to transform the first-gen student experience, advance academic and co-curricular outcomes and build more inclusive institutional structures. Network Champions receive professional development opportunities, expert guidance and access to resources and innovation grants.
“As a Network Champion, UNK showed a commitment to actively adopt the continuous improvement model and align their efforts with institutional priorities to guide first-generation 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 population 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 celebrates their successes each year during the First-Gen Day event on campus and hosts an annual Cultural Unity Conference that brings high schoolers from different backgrounds together to learn about leadership, professional development and higher education.
The UNK First Generation Leadership Team supports these students through a comprehensive enrollment and success plan, and there are numerous campus resources available, including TRIO Student Support Services, Academic Advising and Career Development, success coaching, peer mentoring and tutoring. Students can also participate in the First-Gen Trailblazer Academy, 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 student organization, along with the holistic approach to support provided by faculty and staff, make UNK a great place for these students 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.
