Campbell named interim director of Tech’s Office of First-Generation Student Success
Tennessee Tech University has named Charria Campbell, director of Intercultural Affairs, as interim director of the university’s Office of First-Generation Student Success.
Campbell, who joined Tech in 2019 after 15 years working in higher education in her home state of Alabama, will continue leading Intercultural Affairs while providing oversight and direction for the first-generation student initiative housed within Tech’s Division of Student Affairs.
Approximately 29 percent of undergraduate Tech students are the first in their families to attend college. The Office of First-Generation Student Success serves those students and their families from recruitment through graduation and beyond, connecting them with campus resources, faculty and staff mentors and a supportive peer network.
Campbell was part of the early conversations that led to the office’s creation nearly two years ago.
“As we started digging into the data and listening to students, it became clear that we needed a more centralized way to support our first-generation population,” Campbell said. “We were having great conversations across campus, but they were happening in different spaces. Bringing those efforts together under one roof allows us to collaborate, build momentum and serve students more intentionally.”
In her existing role, Campbell has worked closely with many first-generation students. She estimates that nearly half of the students who engage with Intercultural Affairs programming identify as first-gen.
“When the opportunity came to step into this additional role, my biggest concern was making sure we didn’t lose the momentum,” Campbell said. “Our students have been eager and energized. They’ve taken ownership of the programming and encouraged their peers to get connected. I wanted to ensure we continue building on that energy, so it was really a heart decision for me more than anything else.”
Though Campbell is not a first-generation college graduate herself, she says she feels a personal connection to the mission. Her mother and several family members were first-generation students, and she grew up hearing about their college experiences.
“I’ve seen firsthand how transformative higher education can be for families,” she said. “That perspective fuels my passion for making sure our students have the support, resources and sense of belonging they need to persist to graduation.”
Campbell notes that first-generation students often face unique challenges, including navigating financial aid processes and understanding campus terminology and systems that may be unfamiliar to them and their families.
“Sometimes it’s as simple as explaining what a bursar or registrar does or breaking down the financial aid process in clear language,” she said. “We have to be mindful of the acronyms and assumptions we use and ensure every student feels confident navigating college.”
The office hosts monthly “First-Gen Fridays,” networking and resource events that bring together students, faculty and staff — many of whom are first-generation graduates themselves. Campbell also hopes to expand scholarship and basic-needs support and to establish a campus chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha), the national honor society for first-generation students, by later this year.
Katie Aikens, interim vice president for Student Affairs, said Campbell’s background and rapport with students make her a natural fit for the role.
“Charria’s extensive experience and strong record of success in student mentorship and engagement programs are outstanding,” Aikens said. “Her collaborative leadership style and deep commitment to student support will be a tremendous asset to our first-gen students and to the continued growth of this important initiative.”
Campbell expressed gratitude to university leadership for supporting the office’s creation and continued development.
“We are thankful to President Oldham and the cabinet for seeing the vision and recognizing the need,” she said. “This work reflects who we are at Tech — a university that puts students first.”
For more information about the Office of First-Generation Student Success, visit https://www.tntech.edu/first-gen/.