First Generation Nebraska is seeking applications from University of Nebraska-Lincoln students, faculty, staff and alumni who wish to serve as members of the First Generation Nebraska Advisory Board. The board meets three times a semester during the academic year to provide feedback to the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor’s Office regarding how to best support first-generation students, staff and faculty.
In addition, board members commit to active participation in First Generation Nebraska events and pledge to co-lead and support first-gen initiatives. The term of service is for two consecutive academic years. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Feb. 27.
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s First Generation Nebraska initiative helps first-generation college scholars connect with first-gen faculty and staff advocates to establish a sense of community and belonging on campus and provide students with the support they need to persist to graduation. Established in 2017 by the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor, First Generation Nebraska distributes buttons, t-shirts and office placards to promote first-gen visibility, organizes networking and social receptions and provides professional development workshops and book clubs for faculty and staff on supporting first-generation scholars’ needs.
In 2025, FirstGen Forward named UNL a “Champion Institution." As a Champion Institution, UNL is part of a network of institutions committed to serving as role models for other institutions, sharing evidence-based practices and resources, generating knowledge and building upon our first-generation student success efforts.
For questions, contact First Gen Nebraska Advisory Board co-chairs Steven Jara, deputy director and deputy state forester, Nebraska Forest Service, or Amy Goodburn, senior associate vice chancellor and dean of undergraduate education.
