The Center for First-generation Student Success has named Oklahoma State University a First-Gen Forward institution for its commitment to first-generation students.
Missy Wikle, OSU assistant vice president of transition and retention, said the designation reflects OSU’s deep commitment to ensuring each student receives the support needed to thrive. She credits the OSU Office of First Year Success, academic colleges, the Division of Institutional Diversity and others for advancing initiatives to support first-generation students.
“This recognition by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) validates the impact of our programming for first-generation students,” she said. “We now have the opportunity to collaborate with other institutions which share this designation to discuss programming initiatives and research that will better serve our first-generation population.”
The center — an initiative of NASPA, Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and The Suder Foundation — recently announced the 2022-23 First-Gen Forward cohort, which will receive access to professional development, community-building experiences and a first look at the center’s research and resources.
Selected institutions will send representatives to the First-Gen Forward Workshop slated for early June and will participate in monthly calls, virtual professional development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting and more. After two successful years in the program, institutions are eligible to apply for the advisory leadership designation.