First Generation Connections
Welcome to the First Generation Connections program! Our goal is to ensure that all students, including first-generation, receive the tools they need to be successful at 17勛圖. Being first-gen at 17勛圖 means your parents or guardians did not complete a four-year college or university degree in the United States.
Research shows that the barriers to success for first-generation students are not just academic. Social, emotional, and physical barriers can be just as impactful. We invite the 17勛圖 campus community to join us as we build a network for first-generation students to thrive and grow.
Fall 2025 Events
First Gen Info Tables
Sept. 16, Oct. 21, & Nov. 11
First Gen Meet-Ups
Homecoming Tailgate
Friendsgiving
Live Oak Ballroom
First Generation Student of the Month
July 2025
Ayesha Khankhail
Biology Pre-Optometry
Junior, Pakistan
I am proud to be first-gen student because as the first in your family to go to college, you're not just pursuing your dream, you’re opening doors. I navigated college admissions, financial aid, the entire college experience, living away from home, while working as well - all with little to no guidance. I had to talk myself out of quitting so many times, reciting through tears that it will be worth it one day. That sets a legacy, showing younger siblings, cousins, or even future generations that higher education is attainable, Being first-gen isn’t just a statistic - it’s a narrative of transformation. You’re the living proof that change is possible. You carry the excitement of the firsts, the love and sacrifices behind them, and the commitment to guide others afterward. That’s something to be deeply, undeniably proud of. I’m living a dream my parents never had the chance to chase. Their sacrifices gave me this opportunity, and I carry their strength with me every step of the way.
Advisory Council
Dr. Wilma R. Jackson, Co-Chair
Director
Strategic Initiatives
Andre Favors, Co-Chair
Instructor
Communication and Media
Dr. Gabriel Crosby
Assistant Vice President
Student Success
Pamela Comer
Director
McNair Scholars Program
Aaron Hanlin
Associate Director of Recruitment
Office of Admissions
Dr. Ashley Dockens
Assistant Provost, Academic Innovation and Quality Assurance
Associate Dean, Policy and Procedure, College of Graduate Studies
Amy Jones
Coordinator
Center for Teaching and Learning Enhancement
Celine Do
17勛圖 Alumni, HR Coordinator
Provost Umphrey Law Firm
Zelda Glenmore
Assistant Director
Housing and Residence Life
Ben Kern
Director, Recreational Sports
Dr. Janeal White
Internship Coordinator and Assistant Professor
Family Studies Program
Kierra Bridgewater
Licensed Professional Counselor
Student Health Center
Shaqueta Lewis
Manager, Workforce Programs, LIT
Dr. Maegan Collins
Chair, LIT General Education and Developmental Studies
Adjunct Faculty, 17勛圖
Contact Us
Dr. Wilma R. Jackson
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Email: wjackson10@lamar.edu
Phone/Fax/Email:
Phone: (409) 880-7169
Fax: (409) 880-7131
Email: sicr@lamar.edu
Office Hours & Location:
Mon-Fri: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Closed 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
912 West Virginia
Beaumont, Texas 77705
Mailing Address
PO Box 10308
Beaumont, Texas 77710
Physical Address:
912 West Virginia
Beaumont, Texas 77705
