First-Generation Student Profiles

Faces of First-Gen

A snapshot of our first-gen faculty and staff. Get to know them all as we publish a new group twice a semester.

Megan St Peters

Assistant Professor, Psychology
As a first-gen college student, what or who helped you be successful? 鈥淧arents who pushed me to get a degree.鈥�
Kim Vigil

Assistant Professor, Health and Physical Education
As a first-gen college student, what and/or who helped you be successful? "I believe that goal-setting was key in helping me to be successful. Not only did I look at long term goals, such as achieving the degree, but I also looked at the smaller steps that were required to make the long term goal happen."
Don Robertson

Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
As a first-gen college student, what and/or who helped you be successful? "Working with a mentor on campus and parents' support."

Heather Claiborne

First-Year Advisor, Center for Student Engagement and Success
As a first-gen college student, what and/or who helped you be successful? "Being involved in a campus ministry, having a core group of friends, and also being connected with a compassionate advisor in the College of Education helped me to be successful as a first-gen college student."
David Whaley

Dean and Professor, College of Education and Human Services
As a first-gen college student, what and/or who helped you be successful? "A few close friends, supportive mentors, along with determination and grit."
Kevin Munsey

Director of Development, JCSET & SONHP
As a first-gen college student, what and/or who helped you be successful? "Parental support to do better than they did, resources on campus."

Josh Williams

Coordinator, Veteran and Military Student Success
As a first-gen college student, what and/or who helped you be successful? "I was successful because of faculty and staff that cared about my education. The McNair Scholarship Program helped me learn the benefits of education."
Stephanie Fulcher

Distinguished Practitioner of English Education, Instructor
As a first-gen college student, what and/or who helped you be successful? "The English faculty who were open to answering questions and offering advice."
Steven Guns

Director of Education Abroad
As a first-gen college student, what and/or who helped you be successful? "Joining clubs and activities on campus. This got me more connected to campus and helped build relationships with fellow students."

David Balthrop

Professor, Humanities and Fine Arts
As a first-gen college student, what and/or who helped you be successful? "My parents supported not only my desire to attend university, but also a change of major that was moving from law to theatre. Seems like a simple change, but they knew it would impact my entire life (they were right) and they continued to support me in my education track knowing it meant less money and security. I had excellent faculty members teaching me and they allowed me to fail, but were always there to assist when I needed their expertise, time and consideration. I've always tried to emulate their processes."
Jordan Garner

First-Year Advisor, Center for Student Engagement and Success
As a first-gen college student, what and/or who helped you be successful? "My advisor was so kind and helpful. I also had a few instructors along the way that were great resources for more than just the class they were teaching."
Melony Shemberger

Professor of Journalism & Mass Communications; Faculty Regent, 天美传媒 Board of Regents
As a first-gen college student, what and/or who helped you be successful? "Many people, services, and extra-curricular activities contributed to my success at Western Kentucky University (1989-93). These included several faculty across campus, the William E. Bivin speech and debate team, Student Publications (newspaper and yearbook) office, and the campus library (Helm Library)."