ETSU TRIO celebrates first-generation students
National First-Generation College Celebration Day, recognized on November 8, celebrates first-generation students, faculty and staff at ETSU.
“The fact that I got into college was just a dream come true.”
This statement is true for East Tennessee State University senior Chloe Salyer and
resonates with many other first-generation college students.
The journey of a first-generation student may not be the same journey that their peers
encounter, but certainly displays the resilience and perseverance of those working
toward a college degree.
“In a lot of cases, first-generation students have overcome so many obstacles to be
in college, and we are just so fortunate that they are here,” said Dr. Erin Messmer,
assistant director for TRIO Student Support Services. “It is so important for programs like TRIO to exist on college campuses to be able
to help students navigate toward and get to graduation day.”
Earlier this year, ETSU honored first-generation students by celebrating National
First-Generation College Student Celebration Day. The event, organized by ETSU’s TRIO
Programs, took place at University Commons and provided an opportunity to recognize
current and former first-generation students. At ETSU, first-generation college students
make up approximately 33% of the undergraduate student population.
The day is recognized nationwide and is organized by the National Association of Student
Personnel Administrators (NASPA) and the Council for Opportunities in Education (COE).
The observance has its roots in the Higher Education Act of 1965.
Although the day is student-focused, it extends its accolades to the first-generation
faculty and staff members at ETSU. Dr. Ronnie Gross, the executive director of TRIO,
underscored the significance of the day, stating, "Along with the first-generation
students here at ETSU, we wanted to recognize and celebrate first-generation faculty
and staff who are serving as role models and mentors for first-generation students."
TRIO Programs at ETSU are committed to serving low-income and first-generation students,
ensuring that adequate resources and support are available. Many other offices and
departments at ETSU also support students in a similar way. Representatives from TRIO
Student Support Services, the Ronald E. McNair Program, Center for Academic Achievement,
New Student and Family Programs, Department of Cross-Disciplinary Studies and College
of Clinical and Rehabilitative Health Sciences were present during the celebration
to demonstrate this support.
“I am very proud of myself for getting through college,” Salyer said as she reflected
on her time as a first-generation student. “The staff here at ETSU helped me recognize
my potential along the way. My advice to other first-generation students would be
to take advantage of every opportunity that is presented to you.”
“We are all working toward the same goal at ETSU,” said Messmer. “We want all of our
students to graduate, and in order to achieve that goal, we are working together as
one campus community to support our students during their time on campus.”
TRIO programs at ETSU have achieved a range of successes, including winning a string
of grants last year.
TRIO, federally funded outreach and student service programs, offers potential and
current ETSU students a range of assistance that includes financial aid advice and
help for veterans. To learn more about TRIO and the resources and services it offers,
visit etsu.edu/provost/trio.
East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.
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