Davenport University provost launches effort to enable education achievement of first-generation students

Dr. Gilda Gely, new provost and executive vice president of academic affairs at Davenport University, has made the success of first-generation and minority college students a focus since taking the position in 2019. Dr. Gely's commitment to improving retention and graduation rates acknowledges the barriers that many of these students face. Her devotion to this cause began as she navigated post-secondary education as a first-generation student herself. With funding help from the M.E. Davenport Foundation, Dr. Gely and her team launched an initiative to assist these students, hoping to improve the rates of degree completion.

Dr. Gely recognizes the hurdles and challenges faced by minority and first-generation college students. In a release from Davenport, Dr. Gely says, "…Many students who are attending college don't have that support or foundation, and that can seriously impact whether a student makes it to college in the first place--let alone graduation." Research statistics from the National Center for Education Statistics show that first-generation students graduate at lower rates than students coming from families whose older generations have earned post-secondary degrees. First-generation students are more likely to have to work to fund their education and are less likely to have family members that can guide them through the college application process, selecting courses, and applying for financial aid.

To address these barriers, Dr. Gely, along with colleague Jodi Hicks launched a pilot program in January with the goal of developing a cohesive approach to help first-generation students excel. The program will assist students by providing peer monitoring, help setting up class schedules, help with studying for exams, and assistance in navigating university structures and policies. Dr. Gely commends those entering as first-generation students, noting that it is not easy to take on that challenge, "It starts with bravery...It requires so much bravery to come to college when advanced schooling may be outside of your family's norms." Dr. Gely went on to say, "This program aligns with our mission by removing barriers for first-generation students and rewarding their bravery with the tools and support they need to be successful." On November 8, 2020, Davenport University participated in First-Generation College Celebration Day, a nationwide observation marking the 55th anniversary of the signing of the 1965 Higher Education Act, enacted to help students who face barriers to higher education. The observation included profiles of three Davenport graduates who were the first in their families to attend college.