TU recognized for commitment to first-generation college students

By TOWSON UNIVERSITY on June 2, 2023

The Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA and The Suder Foundation, recently announced Towson University as one of seventy-six new members of the First Scholars Network for 2023-24. To be selected as a First Scholars Network member, Towson University displayed a demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students.

“We are extremely honored to be selected as a First Scholars Network Member by the Center for First-generation Student Success,” said Dr. Vernon Hurte, vice president of student affairs at Towson University. “At Towson University, we are committed to making sure first-generation students feel welcomed and supported in our community as they navigate their own unique experiences. Being selected as a First Scholars Network member places TU as a national leader in this critical work.”

Powered by the Center for First-generation Student Success, the First Scholars Network is a four-phase approach that allows institutions of higher education to advance student success through establishing communities of practice, gaining knowledge of resources, and establishing peer networks. More than 350 institutions of higher education have entered the Network, representing 49 states and the District of Columbia.

“The Center is pleased to welcome Towson University into the First Scholars Network,” said Dr. Sarah E. Whitley, vice president with the Center for First-generation Student Success. “Through the application process, it was evident that Towson University 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.”

“We have implemented several engagement and mentoring programs to provide spaces for first generation students to build community, to network and to share experiences,” said Tammie King-Kelly, director of student success programs at Towson University. “Through these programs, our priority is to ensure that our first-generation students are engaged and feel the sense of belonging as a member of the TU community.”

In this first phase of the First Scholars Network, selected institutions participated in the First Scholars Network Virtual Kick-off on June 2, 2023. 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 progress to the second phase, First-gen Forward, after which it is eligible to become a First Scholars Institution. First Scholars is the third phase of the First Scholars Network and serves as the Center’s customized approach to intentional institutional transformation to advance student outcomes. Ultimately, all network institutions strive for national leadership as a First Scholars Champion Campus.

“Being named as a Network Member of the First Scholars Network is an exciting opportunity for Towson 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 Dr. Kevin Kruger, president and CEO of NASPA. “We are excited to see a groundswell of activity from the Class of 2023 Network Members and know Towson University will be a significant contributor.”

To learn more about first-generation efforts at Towson University visit https://www.towson.edu/. To learn more about the Center for First-generation Student Success, visit firstgen.naspa.org.

About the Center for First-generation Student Success
The Center is transforming higher education to drive first-generation student success effectively and equitably across education, career, and life. We provide data, training, and expertise for a growing network of colleges and universities around the country to scale and sustain the important work of serving first-generation students. The Center aims to acknowledge the intersectional experiences of first-generation college students. It offers an outlet for sharing cutting-edge research and current media conversations, opportunities for engagement through online learning, conferences, and events, and access to a bevy of programs and services intended to improve first-generation initiatives across higher education.

About NASPA
NASPA is a member-centered association supporting a diverse and passionate network of 15,000 professionals and 1,200 institutions across the globe. It is the professional home for the field of student affairs and is dedicated to cultivating student success in collaboration with the missions of its institutional members—a network of colleges and universities representing every sector of higher education.

About Towson University
Towson University is Maryland’s university of opportunities. With more than 150 years of experience pushing possibilities, TU is a nationally recognized leader in inclusive excellence, social mobility, research and discovery. As the largest university in greater Baltimore, TU’s momentum is always accelerating, with more than 20,000 students and 100 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs in the liberal arts and sciences and applied professional fields. Located amid one of the East Coast’s cultural and economic epicenters, TU is a beacon and powerful catalyst in the Mid-Atlantic, partnering with hundreds of businesses and organizations, impacting communities and fueling change. TU meets the holistic needs of each student to achieve success, a result of a deeply inclusive culture with a focus on equity among all students, faculty and staff.