51ĀŅĀ×

51ĀŅĀ× has been designated a First-gen Forward Advisory Institution by the Center for First-generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA ā€“ Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and The Suder Foundation. 

This designation for institutions acknowledges their commitment to fostering first-generation college student achievement. As a First-gen Forward Advisory Institution, OHIO joins an elite community of higher education professionals who are focused on continuing the success of and improving experiences for first-generation college students across the nation. 

ā€œI am honored that 51ĀŅĀ× has been recognized as a First-gen Forward Advisory Institution,ā€ said President M. Duane Nellis. ā€œFirst-generation students can face many unique hurdles during their college experience, and OHIO is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive environment to help them achieve their academic goals.ā€

The selection is the next stage of recognition by the center after successful cycles in the First-gen Forward program. OHIO previously received the First Forward Institution designation in the inaugural cohort of 80 institutions.  

ā€œNow, in its second year, First-gen Forward Institutions continue to lead the nation by their commitment to first-generation student success. With the growth of the 2020-21 cohort, we elevated a select number of First-gen Forward Institutions to the Advisory Institution designation. We commend 51ĀŅĀ× for their stalwart first-generation student efforts and look forward to working more closely through the Advisory designation,ā€ said Dr. Sarah E. Whitley, senior director of the Center for First-generation Student Success. 

Only 10 other institutions gained the First-gen Forward Advisory distinction this year, with OHIO being the only university in the state of Ohio to be selected. Other institutions in the 2020-21 cohort include Baylor University, Florida State University, Utah Valley University and Santa Clara University. 

ā€œReceiving this next level of distinguished recognition by the center reflects the Universityā€™s commitment to support for our first-generation students,ā€ said Executive Vice President and Provost Elizabeth Sayrs.

First-generation college students represent one-third of OHIOā€™s student population. OHIO supports these students through programs such as the OHIO First Scholars and the TRIO/Student Support Services Program, better known as the College Achievement Program (CAP). Both are housed in the University College. 

ā€œWe are deeply committed to the important work of supporting first-generation students at OHIO and beyond,ā€ said University College Interim Dean Carey Busch. ā€œResearch indicates that people who earn college degrees demonstrate higher job and life satisfaction levels, are better off financially, and that their children are more likely to attend college themselves.ā€

Through the OHIO First Scholars and CAP programs, first-generation college students can access a network of support and opportunities including supplemental academic advising, mentoring, free tutoring, a dedicated student organization, a specialized seminar course and more. 

ā€œWe value and celebrate our first-generation students at OHIO and this designation helps reinforce the importance of continuing to find innovative ways to help our first-generation students thrive and succeed as they earn their degrees,ā€ said Angela Lash, director of the OHIO First Scholars Program. 

was launched by NASPA and The Suder Foundation in 2017 with a mission of being the premier source of information for higher education to advance and support first-generation college students. 

For more information about first-generation support efforts at OHIO, please visit or .