First in the Pack Spotlights: Highlighting programs or initiatives that support first-gen students by Courtney Simpson

First-Generation College Celebration Day

lmlabarb — 2025-10-22 19:49:17 UTC

NC State acknowleges First-Generation College Celebration Day with a number of different activities. The most visible of these celebrations is the annual Free Expression Tunnel painting opportunity. This event is a great way to not only increase the visibility of First-Generation students on campus, but also provides an opportunity for First-Generation facutly, staff and students to create together.

2025-10-23 13:32:20 UTC

Ashley Persons has been an invaluable resource for our students at Wake STEM Early College High School. We serve a large number of first-generation college-going students through our program, and Ashley has students' best interests at heart when helping them. Ashley helps students plan their dual enrollment courses at NCSU, monitors their progress in these courses, and teaches ED 103 and ED 104. Her classes help students plan for college and career and support the work Wake STEM does with students on these topics. We are so grateful for her support and advocacy on behalf of our students and program!

THRIVE Village

smather9 — 2025-11-01 19:58:18 UTC

THRIVE Village is a new Living-Learning Village offered by University Housing. THRIVE aims to support first-year students in their transition to NC State from high school. THRIVE supports first-generation students in our village by getting them connected to resources, events, and offices on campus that are dedicated to supporting the success of first-generation students at NC State. In October, THRIVE partnered with NC State's Transfer Connections Village and UNC Chapel Hill's First-Gen and Transfers United Residential Learning Programs to provide a half-day retreat for first-year, first-gen, and transfer students. The retreat focused on skill-building and goal-setting for students' academic, emotional, and extracurricular success. THRIVE Village is an excellent opportunity for first-generation students!

lmlabarb — 2025-11-02 12:43:45 UTC

The First Gen Alumni Network on LinkedIn is intended for the NC State First Gen Alumni Network community to connect professionally. First Gen Faculty and Staff and NC State are also welcome to join. This LinkedIn group began in September 2025 and is actively growing its membership. Joining and sharing information about this networking opportunity is a great way to support first-generation students while on campus and beyond.

Join here: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14941045/

S/O Lindsay McCallister

2025-11-03 14:12:18 UTC

She makes the Career Development Center so proud by continuing to support first-generation students every year. She even created a specific event for first-gen students in our office for this Tuesday!

Devoted Lindsay

2025-11-03 14:24:52 UTC

Lindsay McCallister is devoted to the advancement of First-Gen students. She demonstrates this daily through her student advocacy and her investment in the First Gen initiative. I'm personally grateful for her example and the Career Development Center is better for it. Thanks Lindsay!

S/O Janet Goins

2025-11-03 14:31:59 UTC

Janet Goins and the Office of Undergraduate Research does so much to help connect first-gen students with paid research opportunities that will further their academic and professional careers, and does so much to help students who may not have ever seen themselves as researchers build confidence and self-efficacy in spaces that may be intimidating. Thank you for all that you do for our students!

TRIO Collegiate Programs

2025-11-03 14:38:18 UTC

Always provide ongoing support and resources to ensure financial, career and graduate school prep, personal and academic needs are being met. Through one on one coaching, peer mentorship, supplemental tutorial support, workshops and many more ways FG students are able to connect with the TRIO Collegiate Programs.

Wanya Ward -A TRIO Champion!

cnsimpso — 2025-11-03 15:36:14 UTC

Wanya has been a shining example of what it means to lead as a first-generation staff/alum. His dedication to mentorship and uplifting his TRIO McNair Scholars demonstrates the power of representation and resilience. Wanya’s commitment not only inspires fellow McNair Scholars but also strengthens our community of first-gen students at NC State. Thank you, Wanya, for showing what’s possible when passion meets purpose!

Sarah Wright: First-Gen Champion & Innovator

cnsimpso — 2025-11-03 15:45:23 UTC

Sarah’s leadership and dedication shine through in her work providing wraparound services to TRIO SSS and SSS-STEM students. She ensures that every student feels academically, personally, and professionally supported. As the co-creator of First in the Pack, Sarah helped build a lasting initiative that celebrates and uplifts first-generation students at NC State. Her commitment continues to make a powerful difference in assisting students to find belonging and success.

S/O to Jamie Bush

2025-11-03 15:48:38 UTC

Jamie Bush is a fabulous staff within CED, she serves as the Senior Director of Student Success and Graduate Student Support for College of Education. She is amazing! She has a welcoming mindset and support first-gen students within College of Education.

Dawn Speas

cnsimpso — 2025-11-03 15:50:03 UTC

Dawn leads the TRIO Peer Mentor Program with incredible warmth and intentionality, cultivating a welcoming and inviting space for all students. Her ability to connect, empower, and guide mentors and mentees alike has strengthened TRIO Scholars' sense of community and belonging. Thank you, Dawn, for the heart and dedication you bring to supporting first-generation student success every day!

Jasmine Kamiab

cnsimpso — 2025-11-03 16:08:50 UTC

Jasmine’s leadership with the 1887 Scholars and Pack Promise programs has created meaningful pathways of support for first-generation students. Through her coordination of the Penn Resilience Program, she helps students build confidence, well-being, and community. Jasmine’s compassion and commitment make a lasting impact.

Jess Braxton (JB!): Elevating Learning with Care (and purpose)

cnsimpso — 2025-11-03 19:10:41 UTC

Jess brings incredible energy and expertise to her role as Learning Specialist for TRIO Collegiate. Jess leads tutoring across all three TRIO programs, creating a welcoming and encouraging space where students feel supported and motivated. Jess not only helps students succeed academically but also challenges them to become more confident, independent learners. Their impact is felt daily through the growth and success of our TRIO community

Shoutout to TRIO Collegiate Programs: Leading the Pack for First-Gen Success!

cnsimpso — 2025-11-03 19:25:59 UTC

The TRIO Collegiate Programs (SSS, SSS-STEM, and McNair) continue to embody the spirit of access, opportunity, and excellence. Through personalized support, mentoring, research, and community-building, TRIO helps first-generation and income-eligible students thrive from enrollment to graduation and beyond. Thank you to the entire TRIO team for your unwavering commitment to student success and for making NC State a place where every scholar can belong and achieve.