Center for Educational Opportunity Programs

One Community. One Voice. One TRIO!

Members of KU TRIO and GEAR UP were proud to be part of the Kansas delegation in Washington, DC earlier this month, advocating for the students and communities TRIO and GEAR UP serves every day.

Throughout the visit, TRIO and GEAR UP professionals, students, and alumni shared stories of how TRIO and GEAR UP programs opens doors to higher education and future opportunities throughout their lives.

A special moment included Dr. Wilson presenting Senator Moran with an “I’m First Too” poster, highlighting first-generation student success and the importance of continued support for TRIO and GEAR UP programs.

Moments like this show how advocacy helps ensure these opportunities continue for future generations of first-generation students, low-income students, and students with disabilities.

Thank you to everyone who represented Kansas, KU TRIO, and GEAR UP. Your dedication continues to make a difference. This is why

Dr. Arnold Mitchem: Bring TRIO’s Story to Life This National TRIO Day This year marks the 40th anniversary of the first National TRIO Day, a milestone that reminds us why our collective voice, visibility, and storytelling matte...

🎓 It’s FAFSA Time! 🎓

Hey TRIO Seniors and Parents! 👋

💰 Let’s get your FAFSA submitted and make sure you’re ready for college financial aid!

✅ Bring your parent/guardian and any needed financial info
✅ Get one-on-one help from FAFSA Experts!
✅ Don’t miss this chance to secure your financial aid for college!
**open to all TRIO Talent Search seniors!

📍 Where: JC Harmon High School
🗓 When: Thursday, November 13th, 4:30–6:30 PM

Let’s get it done together — your future starts now! 🌟

The Center for Educational Opportunity Programs has selected 12 new honorees to appear on KU’s seventh annual I Am First Too poster. The 2025 poster honors KU first-generation students, alumni, staff, and faculty who have excelled as role models, leaders, and advocates for first-generation student success. Please join us for the I Am First poster unveiling and reception on Monday, November 3rd at 3pm in the Kansas Union Ballroom.

Honoree: U.S. Senator Jerry Moran
Program: Alumni, B.S., Economics, J.D., University of Kansas School of Law
Quote: "As a first-generation college student, I recognize a college education can be an avenue to open new doors and opportunities for young people. Throughout my time in Congress, I have supported programs like TRIO and other initiatives to help first-generation students succeed because our state is stronger when every student -- no matter their background -- has the opportunity to achieve their goals."

The Center for Educational Opportunity Programs has selected 12 new honorees to appear on KU’s seventh annual I Am First Too poster. The 2025 poster honors KU first-generation students, alumni, staff, and faculty who have excelled as role models, leaders, and advocates for first-generation student success. Please join us for the I Am First poster unveiling and reception on Monday, November 3rd at 3pm in the Kansas Union Ballroom.

Honoree: Curtis Nelson, B.S.
Program: Alumni, Civil Engineering
Quote from Curtis's nominator: "As an undergraduate student, it was not uncommon for Curtis to personally bring friends, classmates, and fraternity members to the TRIO office for introductions. In Curtis's own words, 'Eager to share this support, I shepherded numerous fellow underrepresented students from my fraternity and classes to the TRIO office to empower them on their journey toward academic success.' Curtis values community as an integral part of the KU experience and strives to connect first-gen students with resources to enhance learning and a sense of belonging."

The Center for Educational Opportunity Programs has selected 12 new honorees to appear on KU’s seventh annual I Am First Too poster. The 2025 poster honors KU first-generation students, alumni, staff, and faculty who have excelled as role models, leaders, and advocates for first-generation student success. Please join us for the I Am First poster unveiling and reception on Monday, November 3rd at 3pm in the Kansas Union Ballroom.

Honoree: Sabrina Gregersen, Ph.D.
Program: Alumni, Ph.D. in Psychology with a Minor in Quantitative Methods

Quote: "Being first-generation is important to me because it's not always easy to step out of your comfort zone or to reach beyond what you have always known. I want future generations of my family and other first-generation students to know their dreams are possible, and there are people willing to help. I am forever grateful for the love of my family and the support of faculty mentors, KU CEOP, and the KU TRIO McNair Scholars Program. Without this support, I would not have earned my Ph.D."

The Center for Educational Opportunity Programs has selected 12 new honorees to appear on KU’s seventh annual I Am First Too poster. The 2025 poster honors KU first-generation students, alumni, staff, and faculty who have excelled as role models, leaders, and advocates for first-generation student success. Please join us for the I Am First poster unveiling and reception on Monday, November 3rd at 3pm in the Kansas Union Ballroom.

Honoree: Marsha McCartney, Ph.D.
Program: Faculty, Department of Psychology, University of Kansas College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Quote: "I am honored to be on the I Am First Too poster because I know firsthand the challenges and opportunities of being a first-generation college student. I take pride in sharing my own journey, supporting first-gen students, and normalizing the struggles of these students. I want FGCS to see the possibilities when they have guidance and encouragement!"

The Center for Educational Opportunity Programs has selected 12 new honorees to appear on KU’s seventh annual I Am First Too poster. The 2025 poster honors KU first-generation students, alumni, staff, and faculty who have excelled as role models, leaders, and advocates for first-generation student success. Please join us for the I Am First poster unveiling and reception on Monday, November 3rd at 3pm in the Kansas Union Ballroom.

Honoree: Ashley Hernandez, B.A.
Program: Alumni, Human Biology, Pre-Med Track
Quote: "I am honored to be on the I Am First Too poster because it represents my family, who sacrificed everything for a better future, the KU community that helped me find my voice, and the resilience that defines the first-gen experience. As a proud first-generation Latina, I wanted to create something lasting, which led me to found KU Latinos in Medicine -- the first Latino pre-med organization on campus. This recognition reminds me that when we create spaces for others to belong, we turn our own journey into someone else's beginning, and that's the true power of being first-generation."

The Center for Educational Opportunity Programs has selected 12 new honorees to appear on KU’s seventh annual I Am First Too poster. The 2025 poster honors KU first-generation students, alumni, staff, and faculty who have excelled as role models, leaders, and advocates for first-generation student success. Please join us for the I Am First poster unveiling and reception on Monday, November 3rd at 3pm in the Kansas Union Ballroom.

Honoree: Kevin Foster, B.S.
Program: Assistant Director, Financial Aid & Scholarships
Quote: "I am honored to be on the I Am First Too poster because... in my current role, I have the amazing privilege of working every day with first-generation college students. As a first-gen student myself, I understand the financial and personal challenges that come with being the first in your family to go to college. I was incredibly fortunate to have a family willing and able to support me through my journey, but not all of us share that same story. I have profound respect for our first-generation population, and aim to do everything in my power as a financial aid administrator to advocate for and support students as they navigate the financial barrier of obtaining a degree. It is an absolute honor to serve our students, and I hope to do so for many more years to come!"

The Center for Educational Opportunity Programs has selected 12 new honorees to appear on KU’s seventh annual I Am First Too poster. The 2025 poster honors KU first-generation students, alumni, staff, and faculty who have excelled as role models, leaders, and advocates for first-generation student success. Please join us for the I Am First poster unveiling and reception on Monday, November 3rd at 3pm in the Kansas Union Ballroom.

Honoree: Dallas Doane, Ed.D.

Program: Faculty, University of Kansas School of Education & Human Sciences

Quote: "I am honored to be on the I Am First Too Poster. My experience as a first-generation student and working in TRIO programs has shown me the power of representation: seeing someone who shares your story makes success feel more attainable. Now, as a professor, that's why I believe college access and success should remain central to our work in higher education administration. Representation matters, and I'm proud to be recognized with others who are making higher education more accessible for future first-gen students."

The Center for Educational Opportunity Programs has selected 12 new honorees to appear on KU’s seventh annual I Am First Too poster. The 2025 poster honors KU first-generation students, alumni, staff, and faculty who have excelled as role models, leaders, and advocates for first-generation student success. Please join us for the I Am First poster unveiling and reception on Monday, November 3rd at 3pm in the Kansas Union Ballroom.

Honoree: Jody Johnson, M.Ed.
Program: Associate Director, Jayhawk Academic Advising
Quote: "I walked the first-generation college journey sometimes in fear and sometimes in wonder, fear over what I might not be ready for and wonder over what I was learning every day. That journey, with lots of amazing faculty and students (and general education classes that changed my life!), integrated who I was and where I came from with who I might become. Fear turned to confidence, and the wonder keeps growing."