The University of Missouri-Kansas City has been named a Network Champion by the national organization, FirstGen Forward.
海角论坛 is the to hold the Network Champion status, which is the organization’s highest designation. The Network Champion designation recognizes institutions that are leading the nation as models in advancing first-generation student success through evidence-based practices, leadership engagement and scaling student support.
“I’ve seen firsthand how much a welcoming support network matters for our students, and that’s why this work is so important to me,” said Megan Elsen, associate director of Academic Support and Mentoring at 海角论坛. “I’m honored to have our university recognized, but at the heart of it all, it’s about the support we are able to provide to our students. I’m excited to keep learning alongside colleagues across the country, building on what’s working at 海角论坛, and sharing what we’ve learned to help other institutions strengthen their support for first-generation students.”
Nearly 60% of 海角论坛 students do not have a parent or guardian who graduated from a college in the United States. The university founded the First Gen Roo Scholars program in 2019 to build an inclusive first-gen community where students receive direct support. What started as a pilot program for 29 first-time college students has grown to more than 100 students per year in the First Gen Roo Scholars program, and consistent, university-wide programming for all first-generation students including events with first-generation professionals and first-generation professors. This past year, First Gen Roo has hosted 147 campus events, totaling more than 3,000 event check-ins.
That expansion to first-generation students across the university was key to receiving the latest designation.
“It’s been incredibly meaningful to see what began as a small pilot in 2019 grow into a university-wide commitment to first-generation student success,” said Kristi Holsinger, Ph.D., senior vice provost for student success. “From the beginning, this work was grounded in the belief that our students deserve not only access to resources, but a true sense of belonging and community. The continued dedication of our staff, and the leadership of our students themselves, has been essential in shaping First Gen Roo into what it is today. I’m proud of how far we’ve come and remain deeply committed to expanding this work so that every first-generation student at 海角论坛 has the support they need to thrive.”
First-generation students who participate in First Gen Roo Scholars show strong success in GPA, persistence and four-year degree completion. In 2025, graduating seniors who participated in First Gen Roo had a four-year degree completion rate of 49.06%, a 35% greater degree completion rate than the overall first-time college Class of 2025.
“The success of our First Gen Roo program is a powerful reminder of the importance of our commitment to putting students first,” said Jenny Lundgren, Ph.D., provost and executive vice chancellor. “By engaging with students, deeply understanding their unique needs and connecting them with dedicated resources, our First Gen Roo program has shaped the success of hundreds of students.”
While moving to this phase is an important progression, 海角论坛 will continue to grow its first-generation student programming and contribute to a professional knowledge base with colleagues in the FirstGen Forward network.
“As one of only 32 institutions in the country to have been recognized as Network Champions, 海角论坛 has displayed a commitment to actively adopt the continuous improvement model and align their efforts with institutional priorities to guide first-generation students to completion,” said Martina A. Martin, Ed.D., vice president of FirstGen Forward. “Not only is 海角论坛 doing excellent work to support their own first-generation students, but they continue to provide support and add to evidence-based practices that serve as a model for all those working to support this population in higher education.”