Supporting and Celebrating First-Gen Students at Texas State
Did you know that approximately one-third of our 4,000+ graduate students at Texas State University self-identify as first-generation students? These trailblazers are the first in their families to pursue a college degree, and their journeys are marked by determination, resilience, and success.
However, while first-generation students represent more than half of all undergraduates nationwide, their graduation rates continue to lag behind their peers. At Texas State, we are working to change that through meaningful community, support, and recognition.
Initiatives include career readiness workshops, community-building mixers, and hallmark celebrations such as First-Gen Week and the First-Gen Grad Celebration, which recognize and uplift the accomplishments and perseverance of our First-Gen Bobcats.
We are also proud to highlight the Alpha, Alpha, Alpha (Tri-Alpha) National Honor Society, a national organization that recognizes and celebrates the academic achievements of first-generation college students.
"Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha) Honor Society is a nonprofit (501(c)3) chapter-based membership organization located at colleges and universities within the United States. An active Tri-Alpha chapter promotes academic excellence and provides opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and campus and community service for first-generation college students" (Alpha, Alpha, Alpha, Advisor Handbook, 2022, p. 4).
Our Tri-Alpha chapter at Texas State is currently seeking faculty and staff mentors to serve as leaders, advocates, and advisors for the organization.
If you are interested in supporting or joining the organization, please email Dr. Autumn Guel at abg35@txstate.edu or Dylan Pique at dlp175@txstate.edu, or reach out via Teams chat.
Lastly, if you’d like to be listed in the First-Gen Faculty and Staff Directory to help foster connection for first-generation students please submit a First-Gen Directory Interest Form.
We look forward to your support in celebrating the achievements of our first-generation college students.