January 15, 2021
Being the first generation in a family to go to college can bring some challenges. Shawnee State Dean of Students Marcie Simms knows these hurdles first-hand, part of the reason she founded SSU’s First-Gen program five years ago. COVID brought a need for more flexibility, but no less support, for First-Gen Bears!
First-generation students make up more than 60 percent of Shawnee State University’s population. The term means being the first generation within your family to attend college.
Shawnee State leaders believe this very special population deserves acknowledgment for their collegiate accomplishments. This group of students that once went unrecognized are now the focus of outreach and engagement efforts, thanks to SSU’s Dean of Students.
Marcie Simms, an accomplished Dean of Students, founded the First-Gen program at Shawnee five years ago. This nationally recognized program has helped many students feel more comfortable in the transition to college life.
Simms, herself, was a first-generation student when starting her higher education at Eastern Kentucky University. Following her undergraduate studies, Simms received a bachelor’s in journalism and is currently pursuing a doctorate from Marshall University.
Simms is proud of her collegiate achievements and wants more students from a similar background to feel the same.
“The goal of the First-Generation program is to focus on the unique assets that these students have,” Simms said. “I want these students to be proud of their accomplishments.”
Due to the pandemic, the challenges faced for these students are heightened. The university built an extensive new orientation model to help incoming students become familiar with the campus, classes and student life. However, due to COVID restrictions, some traditional face-to-face engagements were limited. As a result going into the fall semester, personal connections were limited, making it a little more daunting to start college for the first time.
For this reason, First-Generation Students Day, Nov. 8, was extended to a full week on campus.
“The pandemic has made going to school for these students so much harder,” Simms said. “The pressure and anxiety that they face is immense and it is my job to help.”
Thanks to Simms and her dedication to these students, they can feel more comfortable while seeking their higher education.
“The first gen program made me feel welcome and having a mentor such as Rhonda Hamilton helped me adjust to my first year at Shawnee,” Kaelynne Goozey, a sports management major, said. “Currently as a junior I know she is available if I ever need to reach out. This program helped me want to complete what I started.”
While first-generation week is over and a new semester is starting, these students still need support like never before. For more information or First-Generation Student Mentoring visit Resources for First-Generation Students.