Who are we?

The First-Generation Student Success Center is a community of students, staff, faculty, and other key stakeholders that seeks to provide first-generation students with evidence-based supports needed to thrive in their university experience.

What do we do?

We provide opportunities — opportunities for leadership development, peer and faculty mentoring, scholarships, access to resources, fun events, and so much more!

How can we help?

At the First-Generation Student Success Center, we imagine a world where every first-generation student is empowered to pursue and complete a postsecondary degree, enabling them to achieve their dreams and inspire future generations.

People smiling behind a table

First-Gen Fall Welcome

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People going ice skating

First-Gen Winter Welcome

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People holding up their certificates

I Am First LEAD

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People in their caps and gowns

Graduation reception

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Signatures on a white board

First-Aid for Finals

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A few people around a table

First-Gen Celebration Week

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Man talking into a microphone

Networking Banquet

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People sitting at a table

Learning Lunches

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Student

Portrait of Aleeza Gonzalez

Aleeza Gonzalez

Aleeza is majoring in Major Philosophy and minoring in Ethics & Latin American Studies

Something you love about UVU: The professors! They really make the classes, thus the university. Your success is important to them.

What being first-gen means to you: Being an Example! An example to my family, to my peers, to society.

One tip you have to succeed in college: Focus! Set your goals and priorities. Have a mindset of keeping your eye on the prize, that degree and career. You might miss out on things, but it will be worth it. You can still have fun and need to destress, yet be careful that your focus doesn’t shift.

Faculty

Portrait of Jonothan Allred

Jonothan Allred

Jonathan Allred, MEd, is an Assistant Professor for the Engineering Design Technology Department at UVU. He teaches various types of engineering design software, principles of mechanical design, architectural rendering, and Statics. He has over 14 years of professional experience as a project manager/designer. Jonathan continues to consult on design projects when he is not in the classroom. He received his Master of Education (MEd) in Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences from USU. He obtained his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Technology Management from UVU. As a mentor, he enjoys helping students recognize the opportunities and resources at UVU and in industry.

Staff

Portrait of Kumen Louis

Kumen Louis

Kumen Louis grew up on the Navajo reservation in New Mexico. His upbringing gives him an interesting perspective on diversity and education. In the summers he spent time with his grandmother and was taught some essential living skills. He has used his unique upbringing to navigate the world of education. Kumen’s parents were first-generation students and have relayed their educational mishaps and experiences to their son in order for him to find success. Kumen has been at Utah Valley University for six years and works in Multicultural Student Services as the Native American Specialist/Academic Advisor. He has a Master’s of Education with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instructional Design.

First-Gen Forward

The Center for First-Generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA – Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education and The Suder Foundation, has recently recognized Utah Valley University as a First-Gen Forward Advisory Institution. The First-Gen Forward Advisory designation recognizes institutions of higher education who have demonstrated leadership in their commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes of first-generation college students. UVU’s "IamFirst" program is very proud to be named as an advisory institution for First-Gen Forward!

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First Scholars

Utah Valley University is also a part of First Scholars program through NASPA. The goal of First Scholars is to provide actionable outcomes to better the institution and student success at the institution. These outcomes are grounded in institution-level data and higher education research.

Contact Us

EMAIL: iamfirst@uvu.edu

Phone: 801-863-5755

Hours: 8 am - 5 pm

Room: LC 412

Stay current on announcements, resources, and events!

#iamfirstatuvu

@iamfirstatuvu