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Dear UTRGV Community,
Today is National First-Generation College Student Day, an annual acknowledgment of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965 and its impact on society. This critical legislation, which governs nearly all federal financial aid programs — including Pell grants — for the country’s postsecondary students, was signed into United States law on November 8, 1965, by President Lyndon Johnson at his alma mater, Texas State University.
In case you didn’t know, most Vaqueros enrolled here at UTRGV are first-generation college students. Being a first-generation student myself, I understand many of the hurdles they face. I didn’t have a parent or sibling to guide me through college life, nor did I have the cultural capital or financial support that many of my peers did. But like so many first-generation students, I had a strong desire to improve my circumstances by seeking opportunities — and the encouragement of a few dedicated individuals along the way.
First-generation students at UTRGV embody the values of hard work, family, opportunity, and gratitude. These values not only drive their personal success but also form the foundation of our university’s achievements. It is because of their resilience and determination that UTRGV has become a leader in higher education, fostering an environment where both students and the institution thrive.
Now, as president of UTRGV, I am paying that forward by ensuring our institution continues to equip first-generation students for success on their journey to earning a degree and transforming their lives.
Commitment to Social Mobility
Student access and success are at the heart of UTRGV’s mission, and for the past nine years, we have been delivering exactly that. While our students and alumni are the beneficiaries, it is their remarkable outcomes that have solidified UTRGV’s reputation as one of the top universities in Texas and the nation for social mobility.
Earlier this semester, UTRGV was recognized by various entities and publications, including the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. News and World Report, and Washington Monthly, for our ability to enhance the financial prospects and quality of life of our students — particularly those from low-income households — most of whom are the first in their families to pursue a degree. What makes these rankings so meaningful to UTRGV is their alignment with our mission and the validation of everything we have been doing this past decade.
The National Impact of First-Generation Success
Though each student has a different starting point, the end goal of earning a degree and walking across the commencement stage is something shared by all. But this isn’t just a UTRGV story. Across the country, first-generation student enrollment is rising, which means we must continue our work to promote, support, and guide this critical population.
The success of first-generation students isn’t merely about individual achievement; it has a profound ripple effect. When these students earn their degrees, they not only change their own lives but also elevate their families and communities. On this National First-Generation College Student Day, let's celebrate the nationwide impact that UTRGV students are having and remember that our resilience, determination, and potential are boundless.
Sincerely,
Guy Bailey
President
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The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
