A celebration of first-generation students
Written by Tamara L. Brown, Ph.D., UTA Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Almost 30 years ago, I sat where many of our students sit today, a first-generation college student filled with equal parts determination and uncertainty. My path from first-generation student to university administrator has given me a deep appreciation for both the challenges these students face and the incredible resilience they possess. What I see in our first-generation students today fills me with profound hope and inspiration.
I remember vividly the mixture of pride and anxiety I felt when I first arrived on a college campus. The unfamiliar terminology, the unspoken rules of academia, and the constant fear of asking the “wrong” questions were all part of my daily experience. These memories now inform every decision we make in developing and implementing support services for our first-generation students, and I take pride in our University’s comprehensive support system.
When I look across our campus, where nearly 60% of our undergraduate population consists of first-generation students, I see more than statistics. I see each student, their stories, and their extraordinary potential—all of which informs the services and resources we offer.
For example, our academic coaching program addresses not just classroom challenges, but also the holistic experience of being the first in one’s family to navigate higher education. Our coaches don’t just teach study skills; they help students decode the hidden curriculum of university life—those unwritten rules and expectations that can feel like invisible barriers to success.
The advising services we’ve built go beyond course selection and degree requirements. Our advisors are trained to understand the unique pressures first-generation students face, from family obligations to financial concerns. They serve as navigators, mentors, and advocates.
What makes me especially proud is seeing how our University has embraced its identity as a catalyst for generational change. We’ve moved beyond merely accommodating these students; we celebrate them as essential contributors to our academic community. Their diverse perspectives, determination, and fresh viewpoints enhance our classroom discussions and enrich our campus culture.
Every time I encounter a first-generation student, I see the future. I see students who will become doctors, engineers, teachers, and perhaps university administrators themselves. They carry with them not just their own dreams, but the aspirations of their families and communities. The services we provide—from academic coaching to specialized advising—aren’t just support systems; they’re statements of our values. They represent our commitment to ensuring that every first-generation student has the tools and guidance needed to transform their potential into achievement.
As someone who has lived both sides of this story, I can say with certainty that our University’s commitment to serving first-generation students isn’t just about meeting enrollment goals or improving retention rates. It’s about fundamentally transforming lives and communities. Every time I sign off on a new initiative or celebrate a student’s graduation, I’m reminded of how far we’ve come and how much further we can go.
About The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA)
Located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, The University of Texas at Arlington is a comprehensive teaching, research, and public service institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through scholarship and creative work. With an enrollment of approximately 41,000 students, UT Arlington is the second-largest institution in the UT System. UTA’s combination of outstanding academics and innovative research contributes to its designation as a Carnegie R-1 “Very High Research Activity” institution, a significant milestone of excellence. The University is designated as a Hispanic Serving-Institution and an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education and has earned the Seal of Excelencia for its commitment to accelerating Latino student success. The University ranks as the No. 1 national public university in the U.S. for veterans (Military Times, 2024), No. 4 in Texas for advancing social mobility (U.S. News & World Report, 2025), and No. 6 in the United States for its undergraduate ethnic diversity (U.S. News & World Report, 2025). UT Arlington’s approximately 270,000 alumni occupy leadership positions at many of the 21 Fortune 500 companies headquartered in North Texas and contribute to the University’s $28.8 billion annual economic impact on Texas.