Tennessee Tech has named Charria Campbell as the interim director of the university’s Office of First-Generation Student Success.
The office connects students and families with campus resources, mentors, and peer networks from recruitment through graduation. Campbell participated in the early conversations that led to the creation of the office nearly two years ago.
“As we started digging into the data and listening to students, it became clear that we needed a more centralized way to support our first-generation population,” Campbell said. “We were having great conversations across campus, but they were happening in different spaces. Bringing those efforts together under one roof allows us to collaborate, build momentum and serve students more intentionally.”
Campbell joined Tennessee Tech in 2019 and will continue leading Intercultural Affairs while providing oversight for the initiative. Approximately 29 percent of undergraduate students at the university are the first in their families to attend college.
“When the opportunity came to step into this additional role, my biggest concern was making sure we didn’t lose the momentum,” Campbell said. “Our students have been eager and energized. They’ve taken ownership of the programming and encouraged their peers to get connected. I wanted to ensure we continue building on that energy, so it was really a heart decision for me more than anything else.”
Campbell noted that first-generation students often face unique challenges such as navigating financial aid processes or understanding campus terminology. She estimates that nearly half of the students who engage with Intercultural Affairs programming identify as first-generation.
“Sometimes it’s as simple as explaining what a bursar or registrar does or breaking down the financial aid process in clear language,” Campbell said. “We have to be mindful of the acronyms and assumptions we use and ensure every student feels confident navigating college.”
The office hosts monthly networking events called “First-Gen Fridays” that bring together students, faculty, and staff. Campbell plans to expand scholarship support and establish a campus chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha), the national honor society for first-generation students, later this year.
“Charria’s extensive experience and strong record of success in student mentorship and engagement programs are outstanding,” Interim Vice President for Student Affairs Katie Aikens said. “Her collaborative leadership style and deep commitment to student support will be a tremendous asset to our first-gen students and to the continued growth of this important initiative.”
Although Campbell is not a first-generation college graduate, she said her mother and several family members were first-generation students.