First-Generation Faculty & Staff

When a students’ parent(s) did not complete a four-year college or university degree, regardless of other family member’s level of education.

Meet UA First-Gen Employees

Dr. Mitchell S. McKinney

Dean, Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences

1. What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?

It represented a challenge – to pursue and accomplish something that no one else in my family dared to even dream they could ever do.      

2. What motivated you to pursue higher education?

Two things. First, I loved learning and knew I didn’t want to stop once I graduated high school. I wanted to keep going, keep asking and answering questions – learning all the things I knew I didn’t know, and especially those things I didn’t know I didn’t know. This drive to keep learning continues (even after three college degrees), and that’s why I love being part of an academic community.

A second motivation was to “get out” – to find a way to “escape” my small hometown (population of less than 600 people, 18 in my high school graduating class). I knew the world was so much bigger than what I had experienced through high school, and I wanted to go explore!  

3. Who inspired you to go to college?

Several of my high school teachers, and our high school’s vo-tech guidance counselor who worked with students to get jobs after graduation, made it very clear to me that I was going to college, no ifs, ands, or buts about it! They even “intervened” with my parents to persuade them to allow me to apply to college. When it became clear that financial means was the primary obstacle keeping me from going to college, these teachers coached me in applying for scholarships; and then when I received a “full ride” scholarship, I became the only student in my graduating class – again, of only 18 students – to go on to college. For many, many years I stayed in touch with these high school teachers, and they were so proud of what I was able to accomplish. It all started with their efforts.  

4. What was a challenge you faced as a first-generation college student and what resources did you use to overcome it?

Even with scholarships, my primary challenge was financial resources. I added to my scholarships by working on campus, and in the end was able to cover most everything I needed.  

5. What advice would you offer a new first generation college student?

In some ways, being stubborn is a necessary thing. Never give up! Of course, you need mentors and a support network to help you navigate it all, but you must also rely on your own determination that nothing will get you off track and keep you from succeeding.

Dr. David A. Licate

Chairperson and Professor, Department of Criminal Justice Studies

1. What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?

Being a first-generation college student means you must overcome obstacles that are not in place for students with parents who attended college. Everything from the application process to financial aid and enrolling in and taking courses is a new experience that must be navigated without the guidance of people who have walked that path before in your family. There is a sense of accomplishment and pride for first generation college students, many, like me, who had to overcome a lack of financial resources to complete college. Although, my parents never experienced college, they valued education and were extremely happy to celebrate when I earned my first degree. I get the sense that first generation students value education a bit more, having had to work a bit harder to succeed in a new space.      

2. What motivated you to pursue higher education?

My parents were great supporters of education. My father was an avid reader – you would never see him without a book in his hand. My mother took me on nature walks and taught me to be observant. We went to the library and museums often. My parents invested in educational resources like encyclopedias and other learning aides from early in my childhood. Not surprisingly, I developed a love of learning that lasts to this day. There was never a doubt in my mind that I would go to college. My challenge was narrowing down what I wanted to study as I developed many interests from a stimulating childhood.

Education was also about social mobility. I came from an economically depressed area. I wanted to see what was out there. I wanted to have opportunities that were not available to me without a degree. I wanted to help my children have a better life, as my parents did for me. I am also a service-minded individual. Education helped me give back to my community and help those who might face the same struggles that I did.     

3. Who inspired you to go to college?

Although my working class family faced financial challenges, I never knew it. My parents provided many resources and experiences that developed my mind. Trips to the zoo, museums, and the library were frequent and serve as a source of fond memories. My parents were kind and supportive, but they set high expectations for me and held me accountable when I underperformed. Although they did not attend college themselves, they demonstrated a love of learning through reading, conversation, and experiences that ultimately inspired me to pursue a life in education.

4. What was a challenge you faced as a first-generation college student and what resources did you use to overcome it?

I had no idea what to expect. I had to do everything on my own – from fill out the application to figure out how to finance my education. Being away from my family for the first time was a challenge. Many first-generation students come from close family arrangements, and my situation was no exception. I had to learn how to study that first semester. Other students had more educational opportunities in high school than I had. In sum, the emotional and cognitive challenges were a bit more substantial for first-generation student.

To compensate for these challenges, I actively sought out resources on how to prepare for college. There was no internet, so I went to the library and bookstore to prepare. I asked questions of my teachers, counselors, and extended family members who went to college before me. Luckily, my school has good guidance counselors and I had older first-generation cousins who had already been to college. When I arrived at the University, I spoke to advisors and professors regularly for advice on how to succeed. Finally, I had grit. I had a desire to succeed and the mindset that I would keep trying. Even when I hit difficult academic times and determined I was at the wrong college – it never occurred to me to give up or drop out. I spent a semester at home going to a branch campus just to keep making progress toward my degree. I developed a mind set that allowed me to overcome setbacks and continue to make at least a little progress every semester.     

5. What advice would you offer a new first generation college student?

Ask questions. Visit your advisors, professors, and people close to you who have already walked that path. Know that it is natural to feel alone and lost in a new space, and away from family. Those feelings are temporary if you actively engage in campus life and activities and dedicate the time to studying that is necessary to succeed. There are more resources available for student health and wellness now than ever. Do not be afraid to ask for help. If you are struggling emotionally or academically, act now and do not wait until the campfire becomes a forest fire so to speak. It is easier to improve your situation if you ask for help in week four than in week fourteen. Asking for help in week fourteen, however, is better than not asking for help at all. Seek out other students who are going through what you are and help each other out. Avoid being solitary and get involved in activities outside of class that interest you. Activities, like clubs, are a great way to stay informed about opportunities and learn how other students overcome various challenges. Do your research. Learn all you can about the college process and stay on top of your degree progress by reviewing curriculum guides and the degree progress reports available to you. You must be your own advocate and an active participant in your education – from choosing a major to selecting the correct courses in the correct sequence. The good news is that things become more routine, and the process gets easier after the first time through. If you stumble – and we all stumble – get up with a resilient attitude and keep moving forward.

Dr. Andrea Meluch 

Assistant Professor, Business & Organizational Communication

1. What does being a first-generation college student mean to you?

First-generation students face a variety of challenges and unknowns when entering higher education. We often discuss the “hidden curriculum” in higher education that is particularly challenging for first generation students to navigate. Understanding how to navigate university processes and culture as a first generation student is an example of the “hidden curriculum.”        

2. What motivated you to pursue higher education?

I’ve always loved learning and I knew at a young age that I wanted to be the first in family to go to college. In high school it became my goal to prepare myself for college and once I entered higher education I loved it so much I never left.         

3. Who inspired you to go to college?

I am lucky and have always had a support system in my family encouraging me along every step of the way. My family definitely inspires me to work harder and support others interested in pursuing their degree.       

4. What was a challenge you faced as a first-generation college student and what resources did you use to overcome it?

There have been a lot of challenges I’ve faced from my time as an undergraduate student through graduate school through becoming a professor. Applying to graduate school sticks out to me as particularly challenging. I was lucky to have great faculty to encourage me and guide me, but I really did not know how to navigate that process as a first-generation student and I often wonder if I had more guidance at that stage how it would have benefited my career as a faculty member down the road.        

5. What advice would you offer a new first generation college student?

Get involved on campus and get to know your professors!