{"id":48400,"date":"2023-03-21T10:31:12","date_gmt":"2023-03-21T15:31:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/news\/?p=48400"},"modified":"2023-06-23T08:53:02","modified_gmt":"2023-06-23T13:53:02","slug":"tarleton-recognized-for-commitment-to-first-gen-student-success","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tarleton.edu\/news\/tarleton-recognized-for-commitment-to-first-gen-student-success\/","title":{"rendered":"Tarleton Recognized for Commitment to First-Gen Student Success"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

STEPHENVILLE, Texas \u2014 The Center for First-generation Student Success<\/a>, an initiative of NASPA and The Suder Foundation, today announced the advancement of Tarleton State University to the First Scholars phase of the First Scholars Network. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tarleton\u2019s selection is based on its demonstrated commitment to positive outcomes for first-generation students through improving success initiatives and institution-wide approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Center for First-generation Student success underscores our belief that a successful experience is paramount for first-generation students to continue their education,\u201d said Tarleton President James Hurley. \u201cI am a first-generation graduate, so I personally understand the value and importance of a transformational university education. It\u2019s the very vision of our founder, John Tarleton. When we provide opportunities for students to be the first in their families to earn a university degree, we live out that vision.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More than 50 percent of Tarleton students are first generation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cWe are extremely honored to be selected as a First Scholars institution by the Center for First-generation Student Success,\u201d said Dr. Sherri Benn, Tarleton\u2019s Vice President for Diversity, Equity, <\/strong>Inclusion and International Programs. <\/strong>\u201cWe are excited to have such a proven partner and cohort of outstanding institutions dedicated to advancing academic opportunities for first-generation students.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The First Scholars Network is a four-phase approach that helps institutions of higher education improve outcomes through establishing communities of practice, gaining knowledge of resources and establishing peer networks. More than 275 institutions of higher education have joined the network and progressed through the second phase, First-gen Forward. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The third phase, First Scholars, signals an unprecedented commitment to serving first-generation students. The center recently announced a determination to assist over 700 institutions in the network in the next five years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAfter seeing such exciting network progress and leadership, the center is pleased to welcome Tarleton State University as a new First Scholars institution,\u201d said Dr. Sarah E. Whitley, Vice President of the Center for First-generation Student Success. \u201cThrough every step, it was evident that Tarleton is not only invested in serving first-generation students but is prepared to make a long-term commitment to radically change the way first-generation students are served, and to employ strategies for sustainability and scale that result in intentional impact.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First Scholars<\/a> provides institutions an ecosystem of resources for engaging in student-centered, systemic transformation. Benefits of participation include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n