University advances first-generation student initiatives with on-campus workshop

Lamar University continued its efforts to strengthen support for first-generation students with an on-campus workshop led by Wendy Beesley, assistant vice president for network strategies with FirstGen Forward.

Beesley visited Lamar University to facilitate a strategic workgroup with faculty and staff focused on developing targeted goals to better serve first-generation students, defined as those whose parents or guardians did not complete a four-year college degree in the United States. The visit marked a departure from LU's typical virtual engagement with FirstGen Forward, which is based in Washington, D.C.

The workshop centered on understanding the lived experiences and intersectionality of first-generation students across the academic and co-curricular experience, with the goal of improving student engagement, belonging and success.

"It was an honor to have Ms. Beesley visit Lamar University and lead our workgroup," Dr. Wilma Jackson, director of strategic initiatives and co-chair of the LU First Gen Forward Connections Advisory Council said. "She has a wealth of knowledge on first-generation student success and engagement. It was also a great opportunity to have buy-in and support from campus partners, students, staff, faculty and alumni, as we increase our efforts to promote a sense of belonging and success for first-generation students."

The session represented the second phase of LU's collaboration with FirstGen Forward. The Office of Strategic Initiatives and the First Gen Connections Advisory Council hosted the first workgroup virtually in fall 2025.

More than half of Lamar University's student population identifies as first-generation, making the initiative a key priority for the institution. Nationally, first-generation students account for 54% of all undergraduates, or approximately 8.2 million students. While first-generation students are applying to college at twice the rate of continuing-generation students, national data shows their graduation rate lags significantly behind, at 24% compared to 59% for continuing-generation students.

Beesley brings extensive experience in institutional transformation and student success. Prior to joining FirstGen Forward, she served as assistant dean for student success at SUNY Ulster County Community College and held leadership roles with the State University of New York's Guided Pathways project and the New York Student Success Center Coaching Academy. She holds a master's degree in public administration and a bachelor's degree in political science from Marist College and is completing a Ph.D. in educational policy and leadership at the University at Albany.