Our first-generation faculty embody the transformative power of education. Many came from families where college was once unimaginable. Undeterred by circumstances, they pursued their aspirations for college, navigated financial aid, balanced work and study and embraced every opportunity — from undergraduate research projects to graduate workshops.

Today, these same faculty — such as Dr. Scott Crider, Dr. Deanna Soper and Dr. Bernadette Waterman Ward — stand at the front of our classrooms, drawing on their own experiences of grit, curiosity and a desire to achieve more to guide and inspire all students, especially those following their own first-gen path.

Explore these faculty stories by following the links on the right.