The Texas A&M School of Public Health held a Dinner with a Dean event on Nov. 4 to support and celebrate first-generation college students. Six deans, including Dr. Shawn Gibbs, dean of the School of Public Health and a Fulbright scholar, and five associate deans hosted students across different venues.
Gibbs, a first-generation college graduate, shared his personal journey with the attending students.
“For many of us who are the first to go to college, it can feel like stepping into unknown territory,” Gibbs said. “But it’s important to remember that you’re not alone in this journey.”
Each dean hosted a small group where students could share their experiences and challenges openly. Dr. Don Curtis, the associate dean of student services, emphasized the school’s commitment to supporting all students, especially those who may feel isolated due to their backgrounds.
“At A&M School of Public Health, we recognize the courage it takes to be a pioneer in your family,” Curtis said. “We’re here to support you in every way possible.”
Dinner with a Dean offered students meals and an opportunity to connect with university leaders in smaller groups. For students like public health sciences graduate student Hannah League, the experience was affirming and empowering.
“It was great to hear Dr. Gibbs talk about his own experience as a first-gen student,” League said. “It reminded me that my journey is important, and there are people here who want to see me succeed.”
League said she often faces self-doubt at A&M, but realizing that university leaders like Dr. Gibbs at one point felt the same reassured her.
“It doesn’t matter where you start,” Gibbs said. “It’s about the perseverance to keep moving forward, even when the path seems unclear.”
Gibbs said roughly 24% of Aggies in the School of Public Health are first-generation students.
“We are proud to support these students as they navigate college and build successful futures.” Gibbs.
Curtis said feeling belonging is vital to reaching out and asking questions — steps important to succeeding.
“The school has developed specific programs and resources designed to meet the needs of students from diverse backgrounds, aiming to foster an environment where everyone feels valued and supported,” Curtis said.
Research shows that first-generation students often face more hurdles than normal students, such as difficulty accessing resources they don’t know about. Gibbs said the school hopes to motivate and remind students of the support network available through events like this.
“This university is committed to your success, and you have countless resources and people cheering you on,” Gibbs said.
As the event closed, Curtis the school is “committed to making sure” first-generation students succeed at A&M.
“You deserve to be here,” Gibbs said. “This university is yours just as much as it is anyone else’s. Never doubt that.”
