First-Generation Students Thriving At Kennesaw State

Press release from Kennesaw State University:

Nov 6, 2020

First-generation students thriving at Kennesaw State

KENNESAW, Ga.
(Nov 6, 2020) — Madeleine Carden admittedly was apprehensive about being the first person in her family
to attend college. However, she felt at home right away at Kennesaw State through
the University’s initiatives to help first-generation students succeed.

Early in her freshman year, Carden attended the inaugural meeting of First-Gen Owls, a registered student organization that strives to build interpersonal skills, connections
and a sense of belonging among its members. Carden described that meeting as “an eye-opening
experience,” as she met several KSU alumni who were enjoying successful careers after
having been the first in their families to earn college degrees.

“I started to realize there are so many other people like me and so many resources
for people like me, and now I’ve become a resource to other students who came in like
I did,” said Carden, now a senior nursing student and the president of First-Gen Owls.
“That was the moment I realized it’s actually awesome that I’m first-generation. Now
it is something I am so proud of.”

At Kennesaw State, more than 14,000 students – nearly 38 percent of the undergraduate
enrollment – identify as first-generation, which the University defines as students
whose parents or guardians did not attain a four-year college degree.

Madeleine Carden, left, at the First Gen tailgate in 2019.

In recognition of that vital group of the student population, KSU will celebrate National
First-Generation College Day on November 11 from 12 to 2:30 p.m. on the Kennesaw Campus
Green.

“First-generation students bring an incredible amount of drive and initiative to KSU
and a fresh perspective that is open to change and helps propel the University forward,”
said Vice President for Student Affairs Eric Arneson. “Having such a large of number
of first-generation students has created an influx of students who are determined
to succeed and include others. Their energy and passion help drive the entire campus
into the future.”

In August 2019, Kennesaw State was one of only two universities in Georgia and 80
nationwide named to the Center for First-Generation Student Success’ inaugural cohort of First-gen Forward institutions. The designation recognizes colleges and universities that have demonstrated
a commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes for first-generation
college students.

Along with First-Gen Owls, Kennesaw State has several initiatives to help support
student success, including a living-learning village where 30 first-generation students
live on campus; learning communities that group about 25 first-semester students together
in courses with a common theme, such as first-generation; and resources through the
University’s Cultural and Community Centers. The successful Thrive program helps students transition to college and provides support for them to maintain the
HOPE scholarship.

Pictured are students from the first cohort of Coca-Cola Scholars.

Another step toward helping first-generation students was in 2018 when Kennesaw State
announced its first cohort of Coca-Cola First Generation Scholars. The program, which
provides scholarships and support services to first-generation college students, is
supported by a $1.25 million contribution from The Coca-Cola Foundation.

“Having so many first-generation students at KSU brings more life to the institution
because their great diversity of thought and experience enhances every aspect of the
University’s teaching and research,” said Marla Bell, interim associate vice provost
for student success. “Fostering student success is not one-size-fits-all, so providing
a variety of first-generation programs and supports and purposely connecting these
students with them as early as possible is of utmost importance.”

Different Backgrounds, Similar Success

Sophomore political science major Joshwell Thompson found his first-gen connection with the African-American
Male Initiative (AAMI), which focuses on increasing the enrollment, retention and
graduation rates of Black males at KSU. As Thompson explained, “AAMI utilizes brotherhood
to boost your professionalism, academic abilities and leadership skills.”

Thompson said that his family has dealt with several struggles through the years,
including financial hardships and addiction, and he wants to “break those chains”
by earning a college degree. Thompson’s greatest motivation stems from the tragic
day two years ago when his eldest brother died, leaving behind four children.

“It means a lot to set an example for my nephews and niece, to be that inspiration
they all can look at as the one who’s doing this,” Thompson said. “Sometimes people
can succumb to their environment, but I want to step up and get my family to places
we haven’t been.”

Carden faced a different set of family circumstances, being raised by her grandparents
from the time she was 4 years old. Carden praised her grandparents for always supporting
her and said she chose Kennesaw State primarily so she could attend college near their
home in Acworth.

Perhaps not surprisingly, Carden is pursuing a career in healthcare and she is on
track to earn her nursing degree from KSU next year. She has thrived at Kennesaw State,
including earning a global learning scholarship and studying in France in 2018 after
learning about study abroad opportunities during her first-year seminar.

“Being a first-gen student at KSU has been life-changing,” Carden said. “I didn’t
have the resources that other students had, like just being able to ask your parents
simple questions about tax information for your financial aid. I am grateful that
KSU has so many opportunities for students like me.”

Carden’s predecessor as president of First-Gen Owls, senior Felicia Echeverria, is
not only a first-generation student, but also a non-traditional one. Married with
two children, Echeverria said she “could not repeat the cycle” of growing up poor
and having a traumatic childhood, and she is completing her psychology degree while serving as an advisor on the First-Gen Owls leadership team.

“Being a first-generation student is not easy, so having a registered student organization
enables us to come together and lift each other up,” Echeverria said. “Being first-gen
is badge of honor that I wear proudly and am excited to represent.”

– Paul Floeckher

Related Stories

• Star student overcomes homelessness to excel

• Creating community in KSU’s newest living-learning village

• KSU lab seeks animal answers for human challenges

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers more than 150 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its approximately 41,000 students. With 11 colleges on two metro Atlanta campuses, Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia and the third-largest university in the state. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the region and from 92 countries across the globe. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 6 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status, and one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.

This press release was produced by Kennesaw State University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.