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Offices/Student affairs/First Generation Student

First Generation Student

NSU “Ignites” First-Gen Success

Dr. Sheila Self, Northeastern State University/FirstGen Forward / Nov. 21, 2024

“Don't be afraid of turning your struggles into a success story.” - Garry Moïse

Northeastern State University, located in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the heart of The Cherokee Nation, is a public university that proudly serves many first-generation students.

In recent years, many universities have begun to recognize the value of supporting members of the most vulnerable communities, many who are frequently first-generation. Several of our cabinet members, including NSU President Rodney Hanley, are first-generation. An institutional strength, this makes our commitment to our first-gen students personal and organizations are taking notice.

Thanks to a grant awarded to the NSU Office of Student Affairs, NSU in collaboration with the First-Generation Success Committee, held a luncheon and panel discussion for first-generation students on Nov. 7, 2024. We were able to award two $250 tuition waivers to our students, connecting them with resources to help support their ongoing success.  There, students had an opportunity to connect with other first-generation students, share stories and interact with staff members who are committed to supporting them. Offices in attendance included TRIO Student Support Services, HawkReach Counseling Services and Student Affairs. 

Later that evening, we dedicated time to engage in a symbolic and nostalgia-inducing gesture, we served S’mores to remind everyone in attendance of NSU’s desire to “ignite” first-generation passion, motivation and celebrate the persistence of our students.

The aforementioned funding generously provided by FirstGen Forward and the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) was also used by NSU to purchase stickers for a “cover the campus” campaign. Staff, faculty members and most importantly students will make our mark with this campaign, using stickers to proudly declare that we are first-gen students and/or first-gen student supporters. We are hopeful that this initiative will provoke thoughtful conversation about what it means to be first-generation and how to face and overcome the challenges of university life as a first-generation student.

32% of the student body at Northeastern is currently comprised of first-generation students. We are so excited to utilize the funding to further develop NSU’s commitment and dedication to supporting these first-generation scholars. The work, of course, doesn’t end here. The newly formed First Generation Student Success Committee will continue to focus on issues that affect first-generation students and offer programs in addition to resources to help our students successfully navigate college life.

Northeastern State University is grateful for TIAA and the Strada Education Foundation’s generous sponsorship of the First-Generation College Celebration. The #CelebrateFirstGen grant equipped us with the resources to move #FirstGenForward by raising awareness of first-gen college students’ identities, strengths, and experiences.