First Semester Preliminary Results

The fall 2010 semester offered an array of new experiences for our first cohorts of scholars.  Some switched majors, others realized study habits needed to change, and all participated in the vast social networks and activities offered by their universities.  

The University of Kentucky (UK) and The University of Utah (U of U) reported 100% of their First Scholarsä participants returned to campus for the second semester.  At UK, 95% of the scholars earned better than a 2.5 GPA.  The top student, Brandy Denton, was named to the Dean's List.  U of U reported a solid 65% of its scholars finishing with better than a 2.5 GPA.  Susana Tovar, a pre-med major, earned a 4.0 GPA!* 

The two groups of students are approaching the end of their spring semester and final exams.  We wish them well and look forward to a strong finish to their freshman year!  

*Look for more detailed results in our June newsletter, including comparison data with first-generation non-scholars and general student populations.

The University of Kentucky has proven to be a great fit for First Scholars.  Multiple campus-wide initiatives focused on first generation students occurred simultaneously with the planning and launching of our program.  President Lee T. Todd, a first generation student himself, hosted a reception for first generation faculty and staff from which a faculty learning community developed.  The group's discussions resulted in a white paper with recommendations for supporting first generation students along with the creation of an online resource library consolidating the group's research.

The university's admissions application was expanded to track first generation students, and institutional research now monitors first generation student success.   A student focus group was first organized by Matthew Deffendall, the First Scholars program director, to solicit ideas for our program.  This group has grown into an official student organization for first generation students. 

The next milestone for UK's campus will be the opening of the First Generation Living Learning Community in fall 2011.  The incoming cohort of First Scholars will be among the inaugural groups to reside in the LLC, along with other first generation students.  The community will feature evening and weekend programs for residents along with special office hours by faculty and advisors to meet with residents.

"First Scholars provided the incentive for our university to collaborate and coordinate campus wide resources for first generation students which will have an effect on the overall student population," stated Matthew.  The results of these campus collaborations are enriching the environment for first generation students at UK and consistently benefit our scholars. 

"What does first generation mean to me?  Honestly, I wasn't sure what first generation meant . . . . I did not understand all the aspects about being a first generation student until I arrived on campus.  It was instilled in me at a very young age that school comes first.  Even with that support, transitioning from high school to college was very difficult for me and I was so homesick.  I hated college the first week.

I remember the first Friday night on campus; I called my mom crying and told her there was no way I would be able to do this. I just wanted to go home.  The very next weekend, we were required to go on a retreat.  I did not want to go but I'm grateful the retreat was mandatory.  During that weekend, I learned more about myself than I would have imagined. It proved to me that I could go to college and succeed.  It helped me not be so homesick and I believe I matured a little bit.
  

Every first generation student has a different story.  Some students have an unsupportive family and some families are more than supportive.  Other students do not have confidence in themselves to succeed and many have a ton of confidence.  Regardless of whom the student is, this program will contribute to their success.  I am very grateful for First Scholars because it has and will continue to open doors for me."
 

Brandy Denton is a First Scholar at the University of Kentucky.  She is majoring in special education and aspires to work with students who have moderate to severe disabilities. 

When UK began to look for a director for the First Scholars program, they wanted someone with advising experience who was familiar with the campus and existing resources. Matthew Deffendall, an academic advisor from Undergraduate Studies, fit the bill.  Matthew has been involved with our program since its inception in 2009.  He coordinated the planning process and was named Program Director in June 2010.

 

FAST FACTS                                                       

Matthew Deffendall, Program Director

 

Higher education experience: 6 yrs

 

Alma mater: University of Alabama 
 

Home town: New Orleans

 

Other campus activities:

"I am also working with the Academic Technology group on campus to record interviews with first generation faculty and staff across campus for the '1G Stories' project.  We want incoming students to know they are not alone in their experiences or fears about being first in their family to attend college."

 

Inside info: Matthew is married with two daughters and loves watching sports, especially his beloved New Orleans Saints.

Our model provides start up and early stage funding for First Scholars programs.  Affiliate universities commit to sustaining the program with a mix of institutional and outside funds.  UK's First Scholars program recently secured funding from two generous donors.  

While searching for a way to honor the memory of a family member, an anonymous donor learned about First Scholars on UK's website.  The donor contributed stock valued at approximately $100,000 to support the program in loving memory of Albert T. Crosby. 

Through the efforts of Jan Swauger, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, the Charles E. Schell Foundation for Education awarded a $100,000 grant to provide interest-free revolving loans to qualified first generation undergraduate students.  These funds will be available to First Scholars participants as emergency loans, gap funding or as special needs arise.  Additional information about supporting First Scholars can be found at: http://www.firstscholars.org/donors/.

Our June newsletter will include more information about program outcomes, new staff and an announcement of our next three affiliate universities!