Dr. Ann Toler Hilliard Advances Student Success Through Global Engagement

Dr. Ann Toler Hilliard, director of Graduate Doctoral Programs and chair of the Department of Educational Studies and Leadership, brought her expertise to an international audience at a prestigious conference advancing research on the challenges first-generation college students face in higher education.

Hilliard presented her insights at the Oxford Symposia on Education Research in the United Kingdom from March 23-25, 2026, at Harris Manchester College at the University of Oxford. She was among educational scholars from around the world who presented research on the theory and practice of universal education to expand knowledge and advance the field.

Hilliard's selection to share her research with an international audience highlights the caliber of scholarship at Bowie State and reinforces the university's reputation for academic excellence.

Her presentation at the Oxford Symposium centered on seven strategies that colleges and universities can adopt to help first-generation students succeed:

• Pair students with faculty, student leaders and upperclassmen who are also first-generation students as mentors throughout their college careers.

• Tailor orientation sessions to address unique challenges for this demographic.

• Create dedicated resources such as workshops on financial literacy, health and wellness and academic skills.

• Foster a welcoming campus culture with events celebrating diversity and inclusion.

• Offer counseling and support services designed for first-generation students.

• Clearly communicate all available scholarships and financial aid options.

• Establish early communication sessions with middle and high school administrators, teachers, counselors, students and their parents about college expectations and available resources.

Hilliard's insights on first-generation college student success in the U.S. and Europe highlighted the issue as a global concern, outlining the barriers this demographic faces in the pursuit of higher education. Along with new independence from parents, friends and neighbors, first-generation students must navigate unfamiliar territories of college expectations and may not be fully aware of available resources.

At the conference, Hilliard engaged with education leaders, educators and researchers from around the world. Participants representing Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Kenya, Kuwait, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and the U.S. shared a common focus: developing strategies to address the challenges faced by first-generation students. Following Hilliard's presentation, participants expressed a commitment to exploring new approaches to strengthen student success.