GREENEVILLE – More than 50 percent of today’s Tusculum University students are first-generation college students, and the higher education institution is celebrating their achievements.
Tusculum will hold First Scholars Appreciation Week with events at the university’s Greeneville, Knoxville and Morristown locations. Activities will kick off Monday, Nov. 4, at 11 a.m. at the main campus in Greeneville, followed by a 5 p.m. event at the university’s Morristown facility at 420 W. Morris Blvd. The university will hold similar events at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, and Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Knoxville campus at 1305 Centerpoint Blvd.
“This week will be a tremendous opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of these students, who are trendsetters in their families,” said Dr. Greg Nelson, Tusculum’s acting president. “By earning a degree, they are providing an excellent foundation for a strong future in their personal and professional lives. We are proud to support them with a multitude of services that contributes to their academic and social success.”
By definition, a first-generation student does not have a parent or guardian who has earned a bachelor’s degree, said Rachael Barnett, director of Tusculum’s Student Support Services program. Tusculum has two Student Support Services programs that receive more than $500,000 total in grants and serve 340 traditional as well as adult and online students.
Student Support Services is a U.S. Department of Education TRIO program that has served first-generation and low-income students and those with disabilities at Tusculum since 1997. TRIO consists of federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Tusculum also hosts additional TRIO programs, including three Upward Bound programs and two Educational Talent Search programs, serving first-generation middle and high-school students from the local community.
The first-generation events will feature remarks from a number of community leaders, such as state Rep. David Hawk, R-Greeneville; Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs; and Kay Senter, a Morristown City Council member. In addition, Sanford Miller, a Tusculum Board of Trustees member who was a first-generation student, as well as Tusculum students, alumni and administrators, will speak.
“We’re excited about these events and the spotlight they will shine on our students and the way they are embracing the opportunity for a college education,” Barnett said. “Many of our faculty and staff were first-generation students themselves, so Tusculum is proud to proud to help these young men and women pursue their dreams and attain a degree that will put them on the path for long-term achievement.”