University Joins Nation's Only First-Generation Student Honor Society
More than 100 students, chancellor join ranks in university's first class of Tri-Alpha inductees
OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi inducted more than 100 students, faculty and staff into the nation's only first-generation student honor society on Thursday (March 28).
This spring, Ole Miss became the first institution in Mississippi to join Alpha Alpha Alpha, a national organization founded in 2018 for first-generation college students. On Thursday, the university inducted more than 100 students, faculty and staff, including Chancellor Glenn Boyce.
"At the University of Mississippi, we are committed to serving first-generation students as a core part of our mission," said Boyce, who was the first member of his family to graduate from college. "I've witnessed many of our first-gen students become accomplished citizens and leaders, and it is exciting to now be home to the first Alpha Alpha Alpha chapter in Mississippi as a way to recognize and celebrate their successes.
Rebecca Oliver (right) congratulates Chancellor Glenn Boyce on being inducted into Alpha Alpha Alpha honor society. Oliver, assistant dean of undergraduate academics at the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, welcomed more than 100 Ole Miss students, faculty and staff members at the inaugural induction ceremony. Photo by Kevin Bain/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
"I applaud this year's inductees for their commitment to academic excellence and their diligent pursuit of their goals."
Tri-Alpha also inducted four honorary members for their continued support of first-generation students. The honorary members are:
- Noel Wilkin, provost
- Annette Kluck, dean of the Graduate School
- Lauren Jones, assistant vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion
- Michael Smith, coordinator of the StudentFIRST program
Joining the honor society helps build community for first-generation students while creating "a sense of celebration around academic success and achievement," said Ashleen Williams, instructional assistant professor in the Office of the Provost and faculty adviser to the First-Generation Student Network.
"This helps us create visibility around first-generation students and reinforces our commitment to those students," she said. "First-gen students and graduates bring a lot to our campus, and joining Tri-Alpha is one way we recognize that.
"This is a part of our goal to be the institution of choice for first-generation students in Mississippi."
A student signs her name on the registry for Alpha Alpha Alpha honors society. Photo by Kevin Bain/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
More than 20 faculty members across campus have signed up to sponsor a student to join the honorary. This is a clear sign of cross-campus support for first-generation students, Williams said.
"Tri-Alpha is an opportunity for the University of Mississippi to celebrate the unique success of students excelling in a college environment without the support of parents or guardians who have the same experience," said Racheal Embry, a senior psychology major from Olive Branch who serves as the First-Generation Student Network's president.
"I think this honor society provides an additional cohort to first-generation college students to make connections and network with peers who understand the struggles and triumphs that coincide with life as a first-gen student."
Joining an honor society is not just a boon to a student's resume; it is another tool in their arsenal that they can use to succeed, said Melissa Jones, associate director of the Trent Lott Leadership Institute and first-generation graduate.
"Joining Tri-Alpha is a really visible way for us to say, 'We see you and we support you,'" Jones said. "It's giving them not only a community of peers but also easy access to a network of people who want to see them succeed.
"That's what I want these students to see – I want them to understand there are people on this campus who want to stand in the gap for them. They have support."