The inaugural Empowering First-Generation Faculty cohort wrapped up their professional development experience by sharing their impact presentations on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. The professional development sessions were hosted throughout the academic year by Anna Newsome Holcomb with Dr. Charmaine Troy, Dr. Carol Subiño Sullivan, and Dr. Kelly Ritter as guest speakers.

Impact Presentations

First-generation faculty cohort members, Misty, Wendy, and Mioy, shared how they applied the content from the first three sessions into their classroom practice at Georgia Tech. Justin, Jillann, and Joyce participated in a panel discussion to engage with the audience about their experiences as first-generation students, and now faculty, and share how the professional development opportunity has empowered them to create more inclusive spaces at Georgia Tech. All cohort participants felt more confident sharing their first-generation student experience with their students and colleagues. The faculty developed a community where they could share their lived experiences and questions about how to best support students.

Congratulations to the inaugural cohort:

• Justin Chandler, Marion L. Brittain Postdoctoral Fellow, School of Literature, Media, and Communication
• Mioy Huynh, Academic Professional, Chemistry & Biochemistry
• Jillann Hertel, Creative Director, CoLab Director & Arts Faculty, School of Literature, Media, and Communication
• Misty Fuller, Writing and Communication Program Assistant Director, School of Literature, Media, and Communication
• Wendy Truran, Marion L. Brittain Postdoctoral Fellow, School of Literature, Media, and Communication
• Joyce Shi Sim, Assistant Professor, School of Earth and Atmospheric Science

Sessions

1. December 6, 2023: Session 1 - Exploring the First-Generation Experience and Identity
2. February 15, 2024: Session 2 - Creating Inclusive Places through Intentional Practice
3. March 7, 2024: Session 3 - Social Capital and the Role of Faculty in Capacity Building
4. April 24, 2024: Session 4 – Impact Presentations

First-Gen Champions

• Dr. Kelly Ritter, School Chair, Professor of Writing and Communication, School of Literature, Media, and Communication – Kelly encouraged the LMC faculty to join this inaugural cohort and contributed to session development. She is a first-generation college graduate.
• Dr. Carol Subiño Sullivan, Assistant Director of Faculty Teaching and Learning, Center for Teaching and Learning – Carol contributed to session development and co-facilitated session two.
• Katherine Lawlor, Program & Operations Manager, First-Generation & Limited Income Student Initiatives – Katherine provided administrative support and collaborated on session development. She is a first-generation college graduate.