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Our Team

First-Generation Initiatives places emphasis on forming strategic collaborations to meet the needs of underrepresented populations, including but not limited to, Students of Color and students who are first in their families to attend college.

  • Provide strategic direction and assessment of UT’s retention and persistence efforts to support first-generation students;
  • Deliver culturally sensitive and responsive academic and social support and engagement;
  • Enhance skills to engage in meaningful conversation and intercultural and intergroup dialogue;
  • Promote collaboration with campus and community partners to close the opportunity and achievement gap of underrepresented students;
  • Acknowledge, embrace, explore and celebrate differences.

In addition to the strategic goals set by First-Generation Initiatives, the First-Gen Advisory Council was implemented to serve as a volunteer group who provides expertise advice and advocacy for overall student success.

Learn More About First-Gen Initiatives

First-Generation Initiatives aspires to create an inclusive and equitable community that embraces diversity, establishes meaningful partnerships, and integrates diversity, equity, and inclusion into scholars’ academic social, and professional experiences. AII strives to establish a campus environment where all scholars feel welcomed, respected, and valued.

  • Diversity: We acknowledge, affirm, welcome, respect, and value different voices, identities, beliefs, and cultures to foster a diverse learning environment.
  • Inclusivity: We create a welcoming community that fosters an inclusive environment of mattering and belonging.
  • Advocacy: We champion and advocate for the elimination of policies, practices and procedures that pose barriers and impede the success of scholars.
  • Empowerment and Support: We encourage scholars to express themselves and to use their voice on campus and beyond to become responsible citizens who make positive impacts in a global society.
  • Intentional Collaboration: We cultivate meaningful internal and external partnerships to maximize the educational experiences of underrepresented scholars.
  • Access: We coordinate, implement and evaluate programs, events, and initiatives designed to increase access to higher education and its resources.
  • Holistic Development: We integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion in all facets of learning experience including academic, social, and professional.
  • Data-Driven: We engage in ongoing assessment practices to make data-informed decisions.

Leadership & Staff

Name & Position Location Email Address
Talisha Adams, Director Greve Hall, Room 222 tlawso11@utk.edu
Olivia Greeley, Coordinator Greve Hall, Room 240 ogreeley@utk.edu
Megan King, Coordinator Greve Hall, Room 241 mhoak@utk.edu
Sharonne Winston, Administrative Support Greve Hall, Room 325 swinston@utk.edu

Name Major Graduation Year
Garrett Green Business 2023
Lucy Heffinger Agricultural Resources 2024

Name Major Graduation Year
Jaelyn Blackwell Audiology & Speech Pathology 2024
Anna Chen Industrial Engineering 2023
Jessica Norment Psychology, Pre-Medicine: Public Health Minor 2022
Laura Salaz Business Analytics 2024
Alexis Sarawan Marketing 2023
Tayla Thomas Math Education 2023

Presentation Request

Fill out the information below to have a member of First-Generation Initiatives speak with your class, department, or student organization about general resources available to them or select presentation topics/request. Sessions are customizable to your needs. Requests must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the preferred date.