FLORENCE – The Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion at the University of North
Alabama will observe National First-Generation Celebration Day November 8, which coincides with
the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965 that defined the first-generation college student
for the first time.
“The University of North Alabama has a long history of supporting out first-generation college
students, and this continues to be a priority for our faculty and staff today,” said Dr. Andrea Hunt,
Executive Director of the Mitchell-West Center for Social Inclusion and Center for Women’s
Studies. “About 25 percent of our student population is first-generation, meaning that they will be
among the first in their family to graduate with a four-year degree. We are honored that they have
chosen to pursue their education at UNA and value their contributions to the campus and
community.”
A small grant from the Center for First-Generation Student Success will allow for UNA’s
celebration in early November. In addition to the observation of National First-Generation
Celebration Day, UNA and the Mitchell-West Center has First-Gen Fridays, which feature advice
and resources for first-gen students, videos from first-gen faculty and staff, and an exhibit in
Collier Library.
“We support our first-generation college students in their academic and non-academic goals
through a variety of campus offices that are committed to providing access and resources to
students,” Dr. Hunt said. “We want to thank the Center for First-Generation Student Success for
awarding us with a grant and acknowledging the work we are doing for our students.”
Media Release/University Media and Public Relations
UNA
