Jackson State University (JSU) has advanced to the Network Leader phase of the FirstGen Forward Network, joining a select group of institutions committed to advancing outcomes for first-generation students.
“Jackson State University is honored by this recognition, which underscores our unwavering commitment to supporting first-generation students through intentional, student-centered initiatives that foster academic success, retention, and career readiness,” said Mitchell M. Shears, Ed.D., associate vice president for Student Success. “As an HBCU, we take immense pride in creating pathways that empower our students to thrive both in college and beyond. We look forward to continuing this vital work alongside FirstGen Forward and its partner institutions to ensure all first-generation students have the tools and opportunities to achieve their full potential.”
The FirstGen Forward Network, established by the Center for First-generation Student Success, provides a three-phase approach to improving outcomes for first-generation students through collaboration, resources, and peer networks. As a newly recognized Network Leader, JSU will leverage tools and strategies to enhance its support systems and share best practices across the higher education community.
“Six years after starting college, only 24% of first-generation students earn a bachelor’s degree, compared to 59% of their continuing-generation peers,” noted Maurice A. Jones, CEO of FirstGen Forward. “Through their role as Network Leaders, these institutions adopt tailored strategies to transform their infrastructure, aiming to close this achievement gap, improve enrollment and retention, and enhance the overall success of their first-generation students.”
JSU’s advancement to the Network Leader phase reflects its long-standing mission to serve as a beacon of opportunity for underrepresented students. This distinction recognizes the university’s effective, sustainable student success initiatives and its institution-wide approach to empowering first-generation students.
Through this new role, JSU will gain access to a range of diagnostic tools, customized solutions, robust data reporting, and expert guidance, further strengthening its capacity to support first-generation students from enrollment to graduation and beyond.
FirstGen Forward recognizes JSU along with the following institutions for their advancement to the Network Leader phase:
- Agnes Scott College
- Chattanooga State Community College
- Dyersburg State Community College
- East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
- Iowa State University
- Jackson State Community College
- Jacksonville State University
- Lamar University
- Massachusetts College of Art and Design
- Pellissippi State Community College
- Ramapo College of New Jersey
- Roane State Community College
- Sam Houston State University
- Southwest Tennessee Community College
- St. Petersburg College
- The University of Texas at San Antonio
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- University of North Texas at Dallas
- Western Carolina University
The FirstGen Forward Network’s work is supported by major partners, including The Suder Foundation, TIAA, Ascendium Education Group, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and ECMC Foundation, among others.