August 23, 2024
K-State recognized as national leader for advancing first-generation student success
In July, Kansas State University was designated a Network Champion by FirstGen Forward, formerly known as NASPA's Center for First-generation Student Success. Network Champion institutions have invested the time and commitment to actively adopt a continuous improvement model and have aligned their efforts with institutional priorities to guide first-generation students to completion.
"We are pleased to announce our inaugural class of Network Champions in the FirstGen Forward Network," said Stephanie J. Bannister, vice president with FirstGen Forward. "Not only are these institutions 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."
In 2018, K-State founded the First-generation Student Center as an institutional commitment to advance first-generation student success. First-generation students are those whose parents or guardians have not completed a four-year degree. Twenty five percent of K-State's undergraduate students identify as first generation, and they are graduated and retained at significantly lower rates than their continuing generation peers. K-State is committed to increasing their retention and graduation rates and closing the equity gap.
The FirstGen Forward Network provides community, resources and knowledge to support 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. A total of 429 institutions of higher education participate in the network, and 14 institutions were recently designated as network champions, including K-State.
"To be named a Network Champion is an honor and a testament to the work of these institutions," said Maurice Jones, CEO of FirstGen Forward, "evidence that they are national leaders in this area, and they'll serve as role models for the field for years to come."
While movement to this phase signals an important progression, Network Champions remain actively involved and committed to continuous improvement principles while emphasizing institution-focused strategic priorities to improve first-generation students' experiences and completion rates.
K-State's First-generation Student Center can be found at 101 Holtz Hall. Please visit the center's webpage, follow the center on social media @K-StateFGSC, or email firstgen@k-state.edu.