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UNCP receives First-Gen Forward national designation

By Staff Report, posted Mar 23, 2022 on BizFayetteville.com

Among 53 institutions, UNC Pembroke was selected by the Center for First-Generation Student Success 2022-2023 First-Gen Forward cohort.

First Gen-Forward is the first recognition program in the country that acknowledges how colleges and universities address commitment to the success of first-generation students.
“This designation is a prime example of UNC Pembroke's commitment to supporting first-generation students and their success at our university,” said Interim Provost Zoe Locklear.

“Being a First-Gen Forward campus means that our faculty, staff and leadership recognize the importance of advancing the success of first-generation students and are actively engaging first-generation students throughout campus both in and out of the classroom,” Dr. Locklear said.
With the designation, faculty and staff at UNCP will have the opportunity to engage with institutions that “create environments that improve
first-generation students' experiences and outcomes. Selected institutions will send representatives to the First-Gen Forward workshop slated for early June. They will participate in monthly calls, virtual professional development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting and more. After two successful years in the program, institutions can apply for the advisory leadership designation,” a press release said.

“Being a first-generation graduate of UNC Pembroke, I can speak firsthand about knowing that this institution has been and will continue
to be a significant supporter of the success of first-generation students as we launch the 2022-23 First-Gen Forward cohort,” said Dalton Hoffer, assistant director for Transition Programs at UNCP.
“Ultimately, this designation is due to the significant initiatives our faculty have implemented in celebrating our first-generation students,” Hoffer said.
Dr. Sarah E. Whitley, assistant vice president for Center for First-generation Student Success, said, “The center is pleased to welcome UNCP into the 2022-23 First-Gen Forward cohort.
“Through the application process, it was evident that UNCP 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,” Whitley said.

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