Forty-Niner First-Gen Support, also known as F1GS, builds a campus culture that promotes an asset-based perspective for First-Generation Niners. F1GS shapes opportunities for pride and celebration of First-Generation identity and fosters an environment of social and academic support, made up of two sub-support systems, Academic Support and Recognition Support.
Shayauna Newsom (They/Them)
Transition & Belonging
Program Director, Transition & Belonging
F1GS (Recognition Support)
Advice to First-Gen Niners: This journey is what you make of it. Capture the memories!
Chris Walls (He/Him)
First-Year and Transition Programs
Assistant Director First-Generation Academic Initiatives
F1GS (Academic Support)
Advice to First-Gen Niners: Embrace the opportunity to build relationships with peers, staff, faculty, and the community.
Liz Garcia (They/She)
Transition & Belonging
Program Coordinator
F1GS (Recognition Support)
Advice to First-Gen Niners: Take advantage of every resource on campus!
Dr. Lorenzo Hopper (He/Him)
Department of Public Health and Health Administration, Co-Advisor for First Gen Niners Student Org
Assistant Professor
F1GS (Academic Support)
Advice to First-Gen Niners: Surround yourself with others who motivate you!
Sydney Gallup (They/Them)
Career Center
Assistant Director & Industry Specialist
F1GS (Recognition Support)
Advice to First-Gen Niners: It is never too late to try something new and take up a new hobby or skill.
Rachel Powell-Rangel (She/Her)
Department of Engineering Technology, Lee College of Engineering
Academic Advisor
F1GS (Academic Support)
Advice to First-Gen Niners: Believe in yourself! Don't be afraid to ask questions! Everyone may look like they know what they are doing but trust me we are all just trying to figure out this thing we call life!
Danyal Mahmud
Enrollment Programs and Communications
Assistant Director, Enrollment Programs
F1GS (Recognition Support)
Advice to First-Gen Niners: Take advantage of your resources! UNC Charlotte offers a ton of resources to support you on your academic journey!
Nicole Benford (She/Her)
Niner Finances
Director
F1GS (Academic Support)
Advice to First-Gen Niners: Knowing where and who your resources are is better than trying to know everything yourself.
Dr. Tyris Gillis (He/Him)
Leadership & Community Engagement
Program Director - Mentoring Initiatives
F1GS (Recognition Support)
Advice to First-Gen Niners: Always be willing to push yourself at least one step past your norm when new opportunities and experiences arise.
Ayana Cholula (She/Her)
Center for Student Involvement
Assistant Director
F1GS (Academic Support)
Advice to First-Gen Niners: Get connected to campus! Whether it's through a student org/club, on-campus job, or attending events, getting connected is what truly defines the college experience.
Alex Reynolds (He/Him)
University Communications
Communications Specialist
F1GS (Recognition Support)
Advice to First-Gen Niners: Come out to First-Gen events, you'll meet a fantastic group of people!
Tonya C. Bates
Biological Sciences
Senior Lecturer
F1GS (Academic Support)
Advice to First-Gen Niners: You’re not alone - get involved through learning communities or student organizations to connect, find support, and build your campus family.
Lydia Rodriguez (She/Her)
College of Computing and Informatics
Academic Advisor
F1GS (Recognition Support)
Advice to First-Gen Niners: If you were not ready, you would not have the opportunity. You got this!
Keyonna Joyner (She/Her)
TRIO
Program Director
F1GS (Academic Support)
Advice to First-Gen Niners: Being first-gen means you may be the first to take this journey, but you don’t have to navigate it alone—ask questions, build your community, and keep going-always remember you belong here!
Laura Pagani
Center For Graduate Life and Learning
Student Services Specialist
F1GS (Recognition Support)
Advice to First-Gen Niners: There are many resources that can help you reach your goals with less stress: if you are a graduate student ask me and I will do my best to suport you!
Nadaja Patterson (She/Her)
Housing & Residence Life
Residence Education Coordinator
F1GS (Academic Support)
Advice to First-Gen Niners: You do not have to navigate college alone. The most successful students are not the ones who have all the answers; they are the ones who learn how to ask questions, seek support, and use the resources around them.
Heather Webb (She/Her)
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Access Specialist
F1GS (Recognition Support)
Advice to First-Gen Niners: It's OK to be undecided, and to utilize your time in college to figure out what you want to do after.
Brianna Davis (She/Her)
Belk College of Business-Undergraduate Programs
Assistant Director of Professional Development
F1GS (Academic Support)
Advice to First-Gen Niners: No one has it all figured out. Be kind to yourself and celebrate even the small wins.
Travis Espinoza-Mundo (He/They)
Family & Supporter Engagement
Program Coordinator
F1GS (Recognition Support)
Advice to First-Gen Niners: Give yourself grace, you are here for a reason
Mattie Harvey
The University Transfer and Adult Center
Assistant Director of Transfer Student Programs
F1GS (Recognition Support)
Advice to First-Gen Niners: Remember this: You belong in the room. You earned your seat through hard work and talent. Your unique perspective and resilience are massive assets to the campus community.