First Generation Connections
Welcome to the First Generation Connections program! Our goal is to ensure that all students, including first-generation, receive the tools they need to be successful at Lamar University. Being first-gen at LU means your parents or guardians did not complete a four-year college or university degree in the United States.
Research shows that the barriers to success for first-generation students are not just academic. Social, emotional, and physical barriers can be just as impactful. We invite the Lamar University campus community to join us as we build a network for first-generation students to thrive and grow.
Fall 2025 Events
Cardinal Care Resource Fair
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Virtual First Gen College Celebration
First Gen Student & Alumni Lunch & Learn
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Coffee & Conversations
Cherry Bldg. Lobby
Friendsgiving
Registration required.
First Generation Student of the Month
December 2025
Sherronice Wilkins
Family Science
Senior, Trinity Gardens, Houston
With cards being dealt at odds and being able to overcome and make the best out of the situation you are in, that is what makes me proud. To remain resilient through the trials that come to snatch your focus. To be able to carry MY last name and open doors that it hasn't seen. To not remain a stigma and inspire my community and be there for them. To properly provide and nurture the family that will come from me. I am thankful for this opportunity. I am thankful for the ones who have been here for me mentally throughout it all!
Advisory Council
Dr. Wilma R. Jackson, Co-Chair
Director, Strategic Initiatives
Andre Favors, Co-Chair
Instructor, Communication and Media
Dr. Gabriel Crosby
Assistant Vice President, Student Success
Pamela Comer
Director, McNair Scholars Program
Aaron Hanlin
Associate Director of Recruitment, Office of Admissions
Anh Phan
Assistant Director, Study Abroad and Student Exchange
Dr. Ashley Dockens
Assistant Provost, Academic Innovation and Quality Assurance
Associate Dean, Policy and Procedure, College of Graduate Studies
Amy Jones
Coordinator, Center for Teaching and Learning Enhancement
Celine Do
LU Alumni, HR Coordinator, Provost Umphrey Law Firm
Abbie Flores
Assistant Director, Housing and Residence Life
Arthur Gilmore Jr.
Senior Academic Advisor, Lamar University Football
Ben Kern
Director, Recreation and Wellness
Dr. Janeal White
Internship Coordinator and Assistant Professor, Family Science
Kierra Bridgewater
Licensed Professional Counselor, Student Health Center
Shaqueta Lewis
Manager of Workforce Programs, Lamar Institute of Technology
Dr. Maegan Collins
Chair, LIT General Education and Developmental Studies
Adjunct Faculty, Lamar University
Contact Us
Dr. Wilma R. Jackson
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Email: wjackson10@lamar.edu
Phone/Fax/Email:
Phone: (409) 880-7169
Fax: (409) 880-7131
Email: sicr@lamar.edu
Office Hours & Location:
Mon-Fri: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Closed 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
912 West Virginia
Beaumont, Texas 77705
Mailing Address
PO Box 10308
Beaumont, Texas 77710
Physical Address:
912 West Virginia
Beaumont, Texas 77705
