These UNCA staff and faculty were First Generation students as undergraduates. This list was created to show that you are not alone in your experience as a First Generation student and there are staff and faculty who want to support you in your journey. Everyone on this list has provided their contact information in the hopes that students may reach out when they are in need of help or just an ear to listen. Please read through some of the personal stories and advice that have been provided below and don't hesitate to reach out to anyone on this list.
We hope you will get to know these faculty and staff members, take inspiration from them, and, if you are a First Generation college student, let them serve as a reminder that you can do this.
Eva Bares - Art & Art History
Lecturer
ebares@unca.edu
828.258.7724
Owen 213
Remember, as the First Generation student you are the expert in what it is like to go to college. While there is no one to help with advice from their own experience, there is also no one to tell you how your quest has to be accomplished. Use this knowledge to chart your own course!
Michelle Bettencourt - Languages & Literatures
Associate Professor of Spanish
mbettenc@unca.edu
828.251.6282
Whitesides 240
Reach out, take the initiative to ask questions and accept support. We want you to succeed and enjoy this college experience.
Rebecca Bodenheimer - Education
Coordinator of Field Placement
rbodenhe@unca.edu
828.713.3150
Zageir 116
Understanding available opportunities was my biggest challenge as a first generation college student; particularly when it came to finding direction with areas of study and understanding future employment options. All college students experience challenges so support for those common challenges are often built into the system. Know there are unique and specific issues facing first generation college students. Those are often not addressed university wide because they differ from common challenges. The unique needs of First Generation students can be misunderstood. Find someone knowledgeable about those needs and reach out for support. At UNCA there are a lot of people willing to help guide students through these challenges and there is no shame in asking for help.
Kenneth Bogert - Computer Science
Assistant Professor
kbogert@unca.edu
828.255.7133
Rhoades Robinson 221a
Growing up I was constantly told that to get a good job I needed to go to college. But when I got here I found that none of the classes I was required to take had anything to do with job prep! I couldn’t understand at the time how ancient history, the arts, or lab sciences would be valuable to me in the job market, but now I consider these experiences the most valuable of my college career. It turns out, though correct in saying college would lead to better jobs, no one ever told me why. At a liberal arts college you learn more than the skills that will get you jobs, you learn to be a lifelong learner, to develop yourself and your mental skills, and ultimately how to make yourself more valuable to employers wherever you may find yourself. Though the path I took after graduation wasn’t a straight one, I ended up in one of the best jobs on earth, with supportive colleagues and a chance to give back to the next generation.
Kenneth Bogert, UNCA Alumnus ‘04
Kirk Boyle - English
Chair and Associate Professor
kboyle@unca.edu
513.309.5655 (cell)
Karpen 239
On many occasions you are going to be filled with ambivalence; you will embrace being pulled away from your upbringing at times and at others you will want to push back against the new knowledge you are acquiring. It is perfectly normal to feel both of these mutually exclusive feelings. In my experience, it will take time to reconcile the person you are becoming with the person you have been, but it is absolutely essential to become this new, better version of yourself. You owe it to yourself to bravely move onward and upward.
Suzanne Bryson - Budget & Finance
Assoc. Director of Budget
sbryson@unca.edu
828.251.5162
Phillips Hall 214C
Don't ever be reluctant to ask someone to explain a process, procedure, or deadline in greater detail. Higher Ed uses all kinds of acronyms and has some very unique processes, so make sure you have a full understanding of key information and deadlines.
Blu Buchanan - Sociology
University Fellow
bbuchan5@unca.edu
828.251.6978
Zageir 218
Trisha Burnett - Internal Audit
(She/Her)
Director
tburnet1@unca.edu
828.350.4599
216D Phillips Halls
Be open to what you want to do with your education. When all you observe growing up is hard factory work, farming, etc. it is hard to picture yourself doing something different. Choose wisely and do something you love.
Cale Burrell - Registrar's Office
Registrar Systems Lead
clburrel@unca.edu
828.250.3808
Ramsey 019
Dr. Deena Burris - Management & Accountancy
Associate Professor
dburris@unca.edu
Delany 115
Susan Clark - Management & Accountancy
Associate Professor of Management
smuntean@unca.edu
828.232.5053
Delany128
Read up on how to manage and overcome imposter syndrome. Go to office hours regularly. Get to know your professors and have them know the quality of your work, your career goals, and ask them a lot of questions about career opportunities, paths, graduate school, etc. Build your professional network while in college. Have a professional presence on LinkedIn. Find challenging internships and part time work in professional positions. Realize the management field has multiple tracks, and not all job titles with the word "manager" or "supervisor" in them are actually executive track positions with upward mobility. Believe in yourself and be proud that you are a college student with high potential!
Courtney Clark-Hachtel - Biology
(She/Her)
Assistant Professor
cclarkha@unca.edu
828.255.7144
Zeis 306
As a first-generation student, it was extremely helpful for me to have a mentor who demystified some of the hidden curriculum of higher ed. My mentor was proactive about helping me navigate situations where I lacked other mentors to turn to and was so good at this that I never felt the burden of being a first-generation student in these spaces. As a faculty member at UNCA, I strive to support first-generation college students and students from minoritized groups in spaces where they may lack other mentors, as I have come to realize the positive impact that this can have on student success.
Duane H. Davis - Philosophy
Professor
ddavis@unca.edu
828.251.6367
Whitesides 240
Reach out to your professors! Don't be shy about inquiring into what "Everybody knows."
Lauren DeHaan - Career Center
(She/Her)
Associate Director of Career Education
ldehaan@unca.edu
828.250.3891
Ramsey Library, Main Level
1. Never be afraid to ask questions.
2. Seek out your resources early - even if you don't think you need them yet.
3. Don't feel like you need to have everything figured out or know all the answers. Trust me, there are a lot of people around you who don't have things as figured out as you think they do!
4. Take time to enjoy college. Find your community, challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone, and try new things. You might be surprised by what you learn about yourself or what you discover you love.
I'm always happy to share my experience or meet with students - especially if you need support figuring out your career path! Feel free to reach out!
Kimberly Nava Eggett - Education
(She/Her/Ella)
Visiting Professor
knavaegg@unca.edu
828.350.4583
Zaiger Hall
Renuka Gusain - Interdisciplinary/International Studies
Assistant Professor
rgusain@unca
Zeis 216
Jake Hagedorn - Environmental Studies
Lecturer
jghagedo@unca.edu
828.553.9138
Rhoades Robinson 160
Christopher Hanhan - Housing and Residence Life
Area Director, Ponder and The Ridges
chanhan@unca.edu
828.232.5034
Ponder Hall 126
"What you do in college, sets the feast or famine, that you and your family are going to eat off of the rest of your life"
Get involved, challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone, don't be afraid to ask for help, build relationships/network, and most importantly, believe in yourself because we believe in you!
Emily Herzog - Africana Studies, Interdisciplinary/International Studies & Economics
Administrative Assistant
eherzog@unca.edu
Karpen 159 / Zeis 205
Herman Holt - Chemistry and Biochemistry; Office of the Deans
Dean of Natural Sciences and Professor of Chemistry and Biology
hholt@unca.edu
828.232.5167
Phillips 216C
Jeff Konz - Institutional Research, Effectiveness, and Planning
Director of Institutional Research
jkonz@unca.edu
828.251.6570
Lipinsky 201B
Sara M Lute - Psychology
Assistant Professor of Psychology
slute@unca.edu
330.328.0049
Delaney 221
You may not realize it yet but you are impressive and you are a huge motivator for someone. You got it!
Leah Greden Mathews - Economics
Professor and Chair
lmathews@unca.edu
828.251.6551
Karpen 147
Laura Meadows - Mass Communication
Assistant Professor
meadows@unca.edu
828-251-6615
Karpen 303
Be curious - of other students, of your professors, of yourself. Ask questions, listen well, and speak up when you have something to say.
Ray Michaels - Information Technology Services
Applications Analyst
rmichael@unca.edu
828.250.3921
Dykeman Hall 208
Douglas K. Miller - Atmospheric Sciences
Professor
dmiller@unca.edu
828.232.5158
Rhoades Robinson 236A
Actively seek out resources (people and help labs [e.g., writing or mathematics]) that improve your chances of success. Passivity is not an option if you want to graduate! Stop by my office and chat about strategies!
Keenan Mosley - Academic Success Center
(She/Her)
Student Success Specialist
kmosley2@unca.edu
828.250.2368
Bottom Floor of the Library
Kari Myrtrle-Posey - Admission and Financial Aid
Associate Director of Admission for Recruitment & Outreach
kmyrtlep@unca.edu
828.255.7056
Brown Hall
The admission and enrollment process can be stressful and overwhelming. Please know that you have support here at UNC Asheville throughout your entire college experience and beyond, from starting the application to getting help completing your FAFSA to picking out classes....all the way through to graduation. I didn't think that people at the college I went to were there to help me along the way, but I can honestly say I was wrong! Don't hesitate to reach out, we are literally here to make this journey a good one for you.
Chris Nicolay - Biology
Professor
cnicolay@unca.edu
828.232.5149
ZS 314
Chris Parrish - Admissions and Financial Aid
Director of Admissions Operations
cnicolay@unca.edu
828.255.6494
Brown Hall
Rodger Payne - Religious Studies
Professsor and chair
rpayne@unca.edu
828.250.2397
Zageir 138
Giovanny Pleites-Hernandez - Political Science
Assistant Professor
gpleites@unca.edu
Zageir 204
Don't be afraid to ask questions, it's OK not to know how to deal with FAFSA, tutoring, choosing classes, or even graduating. There's always someone there to help.
Tabby Price - Languages & Literatures, Classics, Religious Studies
Admin
tprice4@unca.edu
828.251.6419
Whitesides 232
Being the first in your family to attend university is HARD. You probably won't have a blueprint for this journey, and sometimes your family may not understand what you are trying to do and therefor not offer a lot of support. Sometimes your family may not be able provide support for other reasons, and a lack of moral support and financial support can make climbing the mountain even harder. Not having someone to show you the ropes can make it harder. Being a first-gen student is a very complex experience and I hope that anyone who needs help or guidance knows they are welcome to reach out to me.
Bonnie Richardson - Office of the Provost
(She/Her)
Executive Assistant
brichar6@unca.edu
828.251.6470
Phillips Hall 102
Being a first gen student can be surreal and overwhelming. I remember feeling like the only college experiences I was familiar with were those portrayed on TV and movies so I was a bit surprised by the reality of it all. Plugging into resources on campus really helped me get through the challenges and embrace the excitement and opportunity that university life offers so don't hesitate to use the resources around you (Dean of Students, Counseling, Career Services, Tutoring labs, etc.) and let your advisors and professors know what you need. Whether it feels like it or not, those folks are all cheering for you and want to see you succeed!
Tracey Rizzo - History & Academic Affairs
Professor, Dean
trizzo@unca.edu
828.251.6315
Whitesides 204
So many things, but above all: be out and proud!
Imposter syndrome is real--I still feel it. But you belong here too, as much as or more than anyone else. You help us fulfill our mission to deliver a quality liberal arts education to everyone regardless of privilege. You help me feel I belong.
Anne Marie Roberts - Academic Success Center
Assistant Director of Academic Advising
amrober1@unca.edu
828.350.4502
Ramsey 005
During my time as a student at UNC Asheville, I worked, went to school, and helped in a major way with care taking for my family. I came from a low SES, rural background. We only had one car so my mom would drop me off on my way to work and pick me up after her shifts. I took care of my brothers in the evening, then got started on my own homework. Being on campus all day allowed me to use resources like the library and explore clubs and volunteer opportunities. I also grew to love the botanical gardens as a stress relief and sanctuary from my hectic life. I participated in undergraduate research and found an on-campus job that allowed me to explore my love for community engagement. My faculty advisor encouraged me to pursue graduate school and I knew I wanted to help people who came from difficult situations like myself see that they have so many options in their life and they are not limited by money or background.
Irene Rossell - Environmental Studies
Professor and Chair
irossell@unca.edu
828.232.5185
Rhoades Robinson154
Your faculty at UNCA want you to succeed! Reach out to us so we can reach out to you.
Tiece M Ruffin - Africana Studies & Education
Director of Africana Studies & Professor of Africana Studies & Education
truffin@unca.edu
828.250.2361
Zeis 216
Jeff Shields - Management and Accountancy
Associate Professor in Accounting
jshields@unca.edu
828.251.6843
114 Delany
You are not alone; set aside blocks of time every day to study; once you have your work done for the day, do something fun; be sure to get involved in a UNCA student group.
Amanda N. Simons - STEAM Studio
Skillset Instructor
asimons1@unca.edu
828.251.6600
STEAM Studio
As a first generation graduate, it was always like I was creating my own roadmap, reinventing the wheel, and blazing my own trail. I'm not going to lie, it was really difficult without the advice or guidance from a guardian to help me navigate what college could or should look like. But, here I am -- I went to graduate school, and now I teach classes at AB Tech and programming through UNCA, and I'm now in a position to help other students navigate something really complicated and difficult, but worth it in the end!
Brent Skidmore - Art & Art History
Associate Professor
bskidmor@unca.edu
828.301.1206
Owen 219
My advice will always center around remembering and honoring those that have come before us. I often think of those that have made this opportunity possible for me, especially the mentors along the way. Also in remembering, I think of what will likely be their experience at times when they return to family and friends who are not pursuing advanced degrees and how they now can be seen as the "outsider, the exotic one". In these moments, I found it best to embrace the questions and tell them as much as I could. I can definitely connect with enthusiasm to this group as my story is quite complex and continues to be the subject of all my artist's talks! I am happy to share it in longer format.
Charlotte Smith - Office of the Provost
University Grants Manager
csmith20@unca.edu
828.255.7082
Zeis 333
When I was an undergraduate, I wish I had known to speak up and let my advisors know I was first-generation and therefore unaware of a lot of resources and opportunities that may have been helpful--but about which I didn't even know enough to ask!
Tacci Smith - Academic Affairs
(She/Her)
Director of First year Experience Honors Program
vsmith7@unca.edu
828.258.7871
213A Highsmith Union
Robert Tatum - Economics
Professor and Director of the University Honors Program
rtatum@unca.edu
828.251.6569
Karpen 156
Samer Traboulsi - History
Professor
straboul@unca.edu
828.251.6298
WHI 205
Sarah B Underwood - Campus Operations
Housekeeper
sunderwo@unca.edu
828.767.2247
Sam Millar
Find or make your own opportunities & don't take "No" for an answer.
Ashley McGhee Whittle - Ramsey Library Special Collections
Assistant Archivist
amwhittle@unca.edu
828.251.6645
205C, Top floor of Ramsey Library
I graduated in 2016 with a degree in History and a minor in Environmental Studies. I had no idea I would go on to be an Archivist when I first started at UNC Asheville after ten years of previously working as a nurse. Don't limit yourself and always realize you can reinvent yourself at any time throughout your life. I was 32 before I got my undergraduate degree and I'm about to graduate with my Master's degree at age 37!
Cody Woods - Academic Success Center
Student Success Specialist
cwoods1@unca.edu
828.251.6504
Ramsey 027
As a first-gen student, the college process can seem intimidating and difficult to navigate, especially if you feel like you can't ask for help from your parents. The resources available to students can be invaluable if you know what is available to you. If you don't know, ask! Personally, I became friends with the administrative assistant for my major, and I always went to her with my questions. I felt like they were silly and I should have known the answers, but the reality was, I didn't! She was so gracious and understanding. UNCA staff and faculty all seem to be just as helpful, but if you need help and you don't know where to go or want to not feel judged for not knowing or asking for help, I always try to make myself available to assist.
Amanda Wray - English & WGSS
Associate Professor of Writing
awray1@unca.edu
828.251.6412
Karpen 213
Coming to college, I did not even know the questions I should be asking. My father had a sixth grade education; didn't read much, but he was a savvy math person. My parents worked very hard to ensure college was an option for me. First gens never lose sight of the privilege we have to be here and make change here.
Gabbie Wray - Student Affairs
(She/Her)
Executive Assistant
gwray@unca.edu
828.251.6474
Highsmith 237
I remember feeling like I had to handle everything on my own, but college got a lot easier once I stopped trying to do that. Ask questions, talk to your professors, and be open to letting people help you!