Forty percent of ETSU’s undergraduate students are first-generation, and university leaders say it is building a campus culture that celebrates first-generation identity every day, not just on special occasions.
Nov. 8 is National First-Generation College Student Day, which celebrates the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. The act created federal financial aid programs to fund students’ educations and made key investments in colleges and universities across the country.
ETSU departments have celebrated in past years, but Dr. Jennifer Osborne, assistant vice president for student success, said this year is different.
“These celebrations have been happening for decades, but they’ve often been piecemeal —maybe a table here or a small event there,” Osborne said. “This year is the first time we’ve truly rallied the entire campus.”
ETSU’s event is set to bring together students, faculty, staff and administrators to celebrate identity, recognize achievement and affirm first-generation success. The celebration is open to everyone Nov. 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at University Commons. No RSVP is required.
“Whether you are a first-generation student, faculty, staff member or a friend of a first-gen supporting the community, we encourage you to stop by and connect,” Osborne said.
More than 24 different colleges and departments will be tabling to engage with attendees, share resources and show support. Additionally, there will be activities and refreshments provided.
ETSU’s efforts were recently recognized nationally through the university’s selection as one of just 60 institutions nationwide to the NASPA FirstGen Forward Network for 2025-26.
“We continue to build pathways for connection, mentorship and achievement, reflecting our mission as an access-oriented institution dedicated to serving students and communities across Appalachia,” Osborne said.
Osborne said ETSU’s support for students is multilayered through programs like TRIO, academic advising, the First-Generation Work Group and international data tracking. She said this information helps the university better understand and improve the student experience.
Just recently, ETSU was awarded a $29 million GEAR UP grant, which was the second largest in the university’s history. A federally funded program, GEAR UP is designed to increase the number of students enrolling and succeeding in education and training programs after high school. ETSU is one of five universities in the nation that has all seven TRIO programs and a GEAR UP grant.
“First-gen isn’t just a buzzword here,” Osborne said. “It represents who we are as a region and our mission to support the students we serve.”
For more information about ETSU’s support for first-generation students, visit etsu.edu/jordan or etsu.edu/trio.
