Fayetteville State University recognized for commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes for first-generation college students

Fayetteville, NC - FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, recently announced Fayetteville State University as one of eighty new members of the FirstGen Forward Network for 2024-25. To be selected as a FirstGen Forward Network Member, FSU’s Matriculation Institute displayed a demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students.

“We are extremely honored to be selected as a member of the FirstGen Forward Network,” said Assistant Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students, Dr. Roderick T. Heath.  

"Joining a national first-generation organization will be transformative for our department and the development of our first-generation students,” he continued. “It will provide the Division of Student Affairs and Matriculation Institute with a supportive community of peers who understand the unique challenges and triumphs of being the first in our families to attend college. The resources and mentorship offered will empower our students to navigate the academic and professional worlds with confidence and resilience."

Powered by FirstGen Forward, the FirstGen Forward Network provides a three-phase approach to 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. To date, 429 institutions of higher education, including two statewide systems, have entered the Network, representing 49 states and the District of Columbia.

“We are pleased to welcome Fayetteville State University into the FirstGen Forward Network,” said Dr. Stephanie J. Bannister, vice president with FirstGen Forward. “Through the application process, it was evident that Fayetteville State and it’s Matriculation Institute is not only taking steps to serve first-generation students but is prepared to make a long-term commitment and employ strategies that foster an environment of success for this important population.”

In this first phase of the Network, selected institutions participated in the FirstGen Forward Network Virtual Kick-off on June 6. As a Network Member, interested faculty and staff are afforded opportunities to engage with peer institutions also working to create environments that improve the experiences and success of first-generation students, and will participate in monthly calls, professional development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting, and more.

After successful completion of the Network Member phase, institutions may progress to the second phase, First-gen Forward Network Leader, in which institutions receive an evidence-based and research-supported framework of actionable priorities supported through monthly workshops; diagnostic tools providing critical institutional insight; robust data sharing as part of the national Postsecondary Data Partnership; guidance of expert coaches along each step of the experience; and more. Ultimately, all Network institutions strive for national leadership as a FirsGen Forward Network Champion.

“Being named as a Network Member in the FirstGen Forward Network is an exciting opportunity for Fayetteville State University to join a dedicated community of professionals prepared to share evidence-based practices and resources, troubleshoot challenges, generate knowledge, and continue to advance the success of first-generation students across the country,” said Maurice Jones, CEO of FirstGen Forward. “We are excited to see a groundswell of activity from the Class of 2024 Network Members and know the Matriculation Institute will be a significant contributor.”

To learn more about first-generation efforts at Fayetteville State University, visit https://www.uncfsu.edu/faculty-and-staff/divisions-departments-and-offices/division-of-student-affairs/matriculation-institute or https://www.uncfsu.edu/academics/colleges-schools-and-departments/office-of-college-access-programs/trio-student-support-services

To learn more about FirstGen Forward and the Network, visit firstgenforward.org

About FirstGen Forward

FirstGen Forward™, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, partners with higher education, philanthropy, business, the public sector and others to catalyze first-generation student success in education, career and life.