Tennessee Tech events shine light on first-generation student success
Tennessee Tech University marked National First-Generation College Celebration Week with a series of events designed to honor and support students who are the first in their families to attend college. The weeklong program, coordinated by Tech’s Office of First-Generation Student Success, featured a range of activities aimed at professional development, community building and wellness.
The Tuesday evening workshop, titled “From Knots to Networking: Professionalism in Every Detail,” helped students sharpen career readiness through a hands-on tutorial on tying a necktie and mastering buffet dining etiquette. The session was co-led by the College of Business’s Professional Readiness & Leadership Center.
On Wednesday evening, students relaxed and connected at “Bingo & Beats,” where music, bingo and fellowship provided a casual space for first-gen students to meet peers and enjoy food in a welcoming environment.
Thursday’s event, “Rise Together: First-Gen Wellness & Community Care,” invited students to explore mental health, identity and resilience through shared storytelling and interactive practices, followed by a buffet lunch. The panel discussion was led by Kinsey Simone, assistant professor of educational research methods, and featured student voices from the first-generation community.
These events are part of a national effort during 2025 to celebrate first-generation students, faculty and staff and commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which expanded access to college for underserved and first-generation populations. Universities across the nation participated in the week of recognition.
Approximately 20 percent of Tech students are the first in their families to attend college. Tech’s Office of First-Generation Student Success, housed within the Division of Student Affairs, serves these students and their families from recruitment through graduation and beyond.
“Our first-generation students are an important, valued part of our campus community and we are fully committed to coming alongside them with the supports they need to succeed in the classroom, earn their degree and ultimately chart a new course for their families through the transformative power of a college education,” said Marc Burnett, interim vice president for Student Affairs at Tennessee Tech. “As a first-generation college graduate myself, this is a charge that is personal to me and so many of us in Student Affairs. We were excited to take part in National First-Generation Celebration Week and our Office of First-Generation Student Success is here to ensure these students know they are cared for and celebrated the other 51 weeks out of the year, too.”
Tech’s commitment to first-generation student success was recognized last year by FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-Generation Student Success, which selected Tech as one of 80 new members of the FirstGen Forward Network for 2024-2025. Universities selected for membership in the network must demonstrate a clear commitment to improving experiences and advancing success for first-generation college students.
To learn more about Tech’s Office of First-Generation Student Success, visit www.tntech.edu/first-gen.