Presbyterian College One of Only Two SC Colleges to Receive National Designation This Year

Press Release

Presbyterian College is one of only 77 colleges and universities in the country to be named a First-gen Forward Institution. Only two colleges in South Carolina were added to the 2020-21 cohort of First-gen Forward Institutions. 

The First-gen Forward designation recognizes institutions of higher education for their commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes of first-generation college students.

Committed to the success of first-generation students

“It was really exciting when we learned we earned this designation,” said Dr. Amy Davis, director of Academic Success and Retention. The Academic Success office is the hub for the College’s first-generation programming, Presby First+.

“With this, the College has access to schools that are doing cutting-edge research and evidence-based practices on first-gen success. There’s some professional development, and then also, the recognition of being a First-gen Forward institution I thought would be something great for PC, and something we could build upon.”

The designation was made by the Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and The Suder Foundation.

Selected institutions receive professional development, community-building experiences, and a first look at the center’s research and resources.

“I saw this as an opportunity to create a niche program for our students and be something unique as a private college in South Carolina,” Davis said.

Teaching and supporting first-generation students

Presby First+ provides on-campus events and programming for first-gen students. It  supports them through a network of peers, faculty, and staff advocates and mentors.

Each year, at least one academic workshop is provided to faculty regarding best practices for teaching and supporting first-generation students. There are also new student orientation sessions for first-generation students and families.

In January, Stephanie Keene began serving as associate director of Academic Success and Presby First+ Coordinator. Keene was a first-generation student herself and feels passionate about the College’s programming.

Before the pandemic, Keene accompanied students for an off-campus cultural event to see Les Misérables at the Peace Center in Greenville. Keene has remained connected with students during the remote learning period and is currently planning for fall.

“The Center is so pleased to welcome PC into the 2020-21 cohort of First-gen Forward institutions,” said Dr. Sarah E. Whitley, senior director of the Center for First-generation Student Success. “Through the application process, it was evident that PC is not only taking steps to serve first-generation students but is prepared to make a long-term commitment and employ strategies for significant scaling and important advances in the future.”

First-generation students from different backgrounds

The name of the Presby First+ program, Keene says, is essential to ensure its inclusivity for all first-gen students from different racial, economic, gender and other backgrounds.

“The plus is very important because many students, particularly first-generation students, have those intersectional identities,” she said. “I want to empower our students, and I want them to represent themselves and be proud that they are first-gen.”

As a First-gen Forward Institution, select PC faculty and staff will be afforded multiple opportunities to engage with peer and aspirational institutions who are also creating environments that improve the experiences and outcomes of first-generation students.

After two successful years in the program, institutions are eligible to apply for the advisory leadership designation.

“First-gen Forward is an exciting opportunity for PC to join an elite 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 Dr. Kevin Kruger, president and CEO of NASPA. “We are excited to see a groundswell of activity from the First-gen Forward cohort and know PC will be a significant contributor.”

To learn more about first-generation efforts at PC, please visit Presby First+.

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