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FirstGen Forward membership recognizes commitment to success

PLAINVIEW — ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ Baptist University is one of 60 institutions selected for membership in the prestigious FirstGen Forward Network for 2025-2026.

The recognition by FirstGen Forward, formerly the Center for First-generation Student Success, affirms ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ’s ongoing commitment to improving the experiences and outcomes of first-generation college students.

“At ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ, nearly 30 percent of our students are the first in their families to attend college, and we’re proud to support them every step of the way,” said Dr. Cindy McClenagan, Vice President of Academic Affairs. “Being selected as a FirstGen Forward institution affirms our deep commitment to helping first-generation students succeed and thrive. This recognition, along with our five-year, $3 million Title V grant, demonstrates ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ’s continued efforts to expand educational opportunities to students in West Texas and beyond.”

Dr. Rosemary Peggram, Director of Student Success, noted that the university already offers robust support systems tailored to student needs.

“We are excited about the acceptance into this network,” Dr. Peggram said. “We already offer several support services, such as free peer tutoring, academic coaching, a summer bridge program, and a freshman success course, that offer support to all students at ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ. First-generation college student numbers are growing rapidly in Texas, and this population often faces unique challenges in navigating higher education. We look forward to learning from FirstGen Forward about ways to enhance our services and widen our reach to specifically support first-generation college students at ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ.”

ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ’s Student Success team, under the leadership of Dr. Peggram and supported by Dr. Donna Hedgepath, President, is committed to strengthening pathways for first-generation students and ensuring they have the tools to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

FirstGen Forward provides a three-phase framework designed to help institutions scale holistic first-generation student success, transforming the student experience, strengthening academic and co-curricular outcomes, and building inclusive institutional structures. Since its launch, 489 institutions—including two statewide systems—have joined the network, spanning 49 states and the District of Columbia.

“We are pleased to welcome ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ into the FirstGen Forward Network,” said Dr. Stephanie J. Bannister, vice president with FirstGen Forward. “Through the application process, it was clear that ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ is not only committed to supporting first-generation students, but also prepared to invest in long-term, strategic efforts that create environments where these students can truly thrive.”

FirstGen Forward members engage in monthly workshops, peer learning opportunities, and professional development sessions while contributing to a nationwide knowledge-sharing community. By advancing through the network’s phases, institutions achieve recognition as a Network Leader and ultimately as a Network Champion.

“Being selected as a FirstGen Forward Network Member is both an honor and a call to action,” said Dr. Kevin Kruger, interim president and CEO of FirstGen Forward. “ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ joins a growing movement of institutions and professionals who are committed to advancing access, sharing best practices, and driving systemic change to ensure first-generation students succeed. We look forward to seeing ÁÔÆæÖØ¿ÚÊÓÆµ and the entire Class of 2025 make a lasting impact.”