McMurry dedicates a specific day each November to celebrate First-Generation College Students Day, yet our commitment to honoring and supporting first-generation students, faculty, and staff extends far beyond a single day—we champion them every day.
McMurry has implemented several methods to help first-generation students succeed.
“First-generation college students at times face additional challenges in navigating college processes, but they also have strengths and skills that help them be successful,” Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs for Student Success and Professor of Mathematics Dr. Cynthia A. Martin said. “We want to proactively support our students to minimize the challenges they may face and help them build on the strengths and skills they already have.”
Every new student is provided a success coach who can help them navigate the college process. Dr. Jessica Thompson ‘99 is Project Director of TRIO Student Support Services. A first-generation college graduate who takes a special sense of pride in advising other first-gens as they navigate the complex landscape of their college education. and transition. Success coaches personally meet with students to create goals and plans for success. They also help students connect to other offices on campus and in the community that provide services and resources, including tutoring, supplemental instruction, financial literacy, counseling, health, accessibility resources, and developing leadership skills and other needs as identified.
The entire Homecoming court in 2023 was first-generation, and McMurry estimates that around 30 percent of its student population is first-generation.
“First-generation students are resilient,” Dr. Sandra S. Harper said. “As we celebrate their achievements, we also acknowledge their hardships. McMurry is determined to continue to provide the highest quality education to all students who pass through our doors, no matter their background.”
Dr. Jessica Thompson ‘99
Dr. Jessica Thompson ‘99 is the Project
Director of TRIO Student Support
Services. A first-generation college
graduate who takes a special sense
of pride in advising other first-gens
as they navigate the complex
landscape of their college education.
“Sometimes they don’t know the questions to ask to be successful. Or they may know they need help, but they may not know how to ask for help. So that’s been the best thing about this job.”
Erica Medina ‘14
Erica Medina ‘14 is a first-generation McMurry grad who serves as a STEM/Pre-Health Career Specialist.
“I think the small, community feel of McMurry is the perfect place to go for somebody who’s first-generation, simply because you get to experience a whole lot here that you may not get to experience at a larger institution.”
Baylee Kindrick & Isaiah Ramos
The featured representatives for this year’s First-Generation Day were none other than our newly crowned Mr. and Miss McMurry, Isaiah Ramos and Baylee Kindrick. Upon the revelation that both seniors gracing our Homecoming court hailed from first-generation backgrounds, we knew we had to interview them together to learn what kept them on campus for the past four years.
For Isaiah, it was membership in a strong fraternity that made him feel part of a meaningful brotherhood.
“My siblings didn’t go, my parents didn’t go to college, my grandparents didn’t go, so there was no one I could call to go, ‘Hey, how do I fill out the FAFSA?’ College is scary when you don’t have a support group. Thankfully, my fraternity quickly became mine.”
Baylee had similar feelings looking back on her four years. What worked for her involved building strong relationships that developed into her support group.
“You have to have your people here, and that’s kinda what gets you through your four years. Isaiah and I came in together. We’re about to graduate, and I don’t think I would have been able to do that without knowing him and my friends and us all keeping each other on the same track.”