Tennessee’s community colleges first statewide system admitted to First Scholars Network, for commitment to advancing outcomes for first-generation college students
The Center for First-generation Student Success announced that Tennessee’s 13 community colleges are among the 76 new member institutions of the First Scholars Network for 2023-24 – colleges and universities chosen based upon their demonstrated commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students.
“The Center is delighted to welcome community colleges from the College System of Tennessee as part of the First Scholars Network. This is the first time we’ve admitted a statewide system into the Network, and we hope it becomes a template for other states to follow in the future,” said Dr. Stephanie Bannister, assistant vice president at the Center for First-generation Student Success.
The new Tennessee members of the First Scholars Network are Chattanooga State Community College, Cleveland State Community College, Columbia State Community College, Dyersburg State Community College, Jackson State Community College, Motlow State Community College, Nashville State Community College, Northeast State Community College, Pellissippi State Community College, Roane State Community College, Southwest Tennessee Community College, Volunteer State Community College and Walters State Community College. The complete list of 76 new members is here.
“We are honored to be selected as First Scholars Network members. The Center for First Generation Student Success is a valuable resource and our system is excited to join this national effort,” said Dr. Heidi Leming, vice chancellor for student success at the College System of Tennessee, governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents. “As a system of 13 community colleges and 24 technical colleges, we largely serve first-generation, low-income, underprepared and underserved populations. We view the partnership with the Center as a vital next step in advancing our student success work statewide in support of increasing college completion.”
Powered by the Center for First-generation Student Success – an initiative of NASPA (National Association of Student Personnel Administrators) and The Suder Foundation – the First Scholars Network uses 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. Ultimately, all Network institutions strive for national leadership as a First Scholars Champion Campus.
More than 350 institutions of higher education have entered the Network.
“The Center is pleased to welcome Tennessee’s community colleges into the First Scholars Network,” said Dr. Sarah E. Whitley, vice president of the Center for First-generation Student Success. “Through the application process, it was evident that they are 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.”
As network members, 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.
“Being named as a Network Member of the First Scholars Network is an exciting 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 that the Tennessee colleges will be a significant contributor.”
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, Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, 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 THE SUDER FOUNDATION
Since 2008, Eric and Deborah Suder have been working to transform higher education by serving the unique needs of first-generation college students. In 2009, the Suders launched a family foundation and created the First Scholars® Program, a holistic network of resources and support to dramatically improve graduation rates and unlock the success of first-generation students across education, career, and life. Driven by a desire to reach more students and create lasting institutional change, in 2017 The Suder Foundation partnered with NASPA in a joint venture to establish The Center for First-generation Student Success and reimagine First Scholars for scalable impact.
The College System of Tennessee is the state’s largest public higher education system, with 13 community colleges, 24 colleges of applied technology and the online TN eCampus serving approximately 140,000 students. The system is governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents.