First-Generation Students
First-Gen Racers
Murray State is committed to supporting first-generation Racers and their families. A first-generation college student is someone whose parents have not completed a 4-year degree at a college or university. Over 40% of our undergraduate population is first-generation. "Today, 1 in 3 undergraduates - nearly 5M students - identify as first-generation" (About the Center for First-generation Students-naspa.org)
Murray State offers first-generation students an opportunity to engage with faculty and staff during the annual First-Generation Celebration and Recognition held in November of each year. Programming for students is offered by both academic and student affairs offices. Professional development sessions are offered for faculty and staff to better understand the needs of first-generation students.
Murray State University is a 2023 First-Generation College Celebration Grant Opportunity Recipient!
First-Gen Thrive Lounge
Visit the New First-Gen Thrive Lounge
Lowry Center, Room 2C
A place for belonging!
Study, Relax, Collaborate, Thrive
We asked Travis ('11, Telecommunications Systems Management) and Kelly Taylor ('11, Exercise Science) to tell us more about their experiences as a First-Generation Racer. The Taylors recently established the Travis and Kelly Taylor First-Generation Student Scholarship.
"Being a first-generation college student may mean that we do not have all of the answers when we first step onto campus, but we certainly have the power to obtain those answers once we get there." Kelly Taylor
Murray State Resources
Center for Student Engagement and Success
National Resources
First Generation College Students Organization
Center for First-Generation Student Success
Famous First-Gens:
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Sonia Sotomayor: Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the United States
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Michelle Kwan: Olympic Figure Skater
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Michelle Obama: 44th First Lady of the United States
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Howard Schultz: Chairman and CEO of Starbucks
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Walt Disney: Magnificent Dreamer
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Oprah Winfrey: Media Superstar
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Dr. Don Robertson, VP for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Murray State
