Eastern Michigan University is home to a diverse and talented faculty. To the right you will discover the stories of individuals who submitted their stories to be shared with everyone and to provide inspiration and role models for our first-generation students.

The drop-out rate for first-generation students is higher than the rate for the general student population. As we know, role models can help students feel they belong on campus and give them confidence that they can succeed. Yet, unlike role models from a traditionally underrepresented culture, ethnicity, or gender, first-generation role models are invisible.

"The purpose of the First Generation Stories Project is to make our first-generation faculty and staff visible to students and to let them know that many of their professors, counselors and others have faced obstacles and challenges similar to the ones they are experiencing."