First Generation Lakers
What is a First-Generation College Student?
At Clayton State, we celebrate our Lakers who are the first in their families to attend college. A first-generation college student is typically someone whose parents or guardians have not earned a four-year college degree. Being a first-gen Laker means you’re blazing a new trail, navigating college life, academics, and opportunities in ways that may be completely new to your family. You’re building a legacy that starts with you, and our campus community is here to support you every step of the way. Clayton State is committed to promoting social mobility, helping students transform their lives and communities through access to higher education and meaningful support. We also recognize that the college journey isn’t just about the student, it’s about the family. That’s why we work to ingratiate students and their families into the Laker community, ensuring they feel connected, informed, and empowered to thrive together at CSU.
At Clayton State, we’re proud of our first-gen Lakers and the determination they bring to campus every day. Whether you’re just starting your journey or nearing graduation, remember that you belong here, and your success moves us all forward.
Welcome home, Laker. Your story starts here.
First Gen Forward
Clayton State University is proud to be recognized as part of the First-Gen Forward Network, a national initiative powered by NASPA’s Center for First-generation Student Success and The Suder Foundation. This designation honors institutions that demonstrate an intentional commitment to improving experiences and advancing outcomes for first-generation college students.
This recognition reflects Clayton State’s dedication to promoting social mobility, expanding access, and building a campus culture where first-generation Lakers and their families feel supported, connected, and celebrated. Through programs, partnerships, and engagement opportunities, we empower our students to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
In Spring 2025, Clayton State University inducted the first cohort of Alpha-Alpha-Alpha First-Generation Student Honors Society. We have recently reactivated our efforts during the Fall 2025 Semester and are now nationally recognized as the “Iconic” IOTA RHO chapter of Alpha-Alpha-Alpha First-Generation Honors Society @ Clayton State University!
Interested in Membership?
Submit the Tri-Alpha Interest Form.
Cost of Attendance:
The overall amount it costs to attend college. This includes tuition, fees, housing
and meals, books, supplies, and other day-to-day expenses.
Direct PLUS Loan:
A federal loan that parents can take out to help cover educational costs. It typically
comes with a higher interest rate and requires a credit check.
Expected Family Contribution (EFC):
An estimate of what your family is expected to pay toward college costs. It’s calculated
using income, assets, and household size.
Grants:
Free money for college—no repayment required. Grants are usually awarded based on
financial need.
Net Price:
The actual amount you’ll pay after financial aid, such as grants, scholarships, and
tuition discounts, is applied.
Scholarships:
Funds you don’t have to pay back, often awarded for academic success, community involvement,
athletic ability, or special interests.
Subsidized Stafford Loan:
A need-based loan where the government covers the interest while you’re in school
and during certain deferment periods.
Unsubsidized Stafford Loan:
A federal loan that isn’t based on financial needs. Interest begins accumulating as
soon as the loan is taken out.
A program that lets students earn money through part-time campus jobs to help cover educational expenses.
For more information feel free to visit our institutional website for the Clayton State Office of Financial Aid.
Also, feel free to visit the website for the U.S. Department of Education for more information on Financial Aid information.
First-Gen Faculty & Staff Network
Members of our campus community who have volunteered to support and empower first-generation students through connection and shared experience.
Amy Sanford – Associate Professor of English
Anthony Hannah – Associate Professor of Accounting
Ashlee Spearman – VP, Enrollment, Marketing and Student Success
Brian Skrzypek – Admissions Coordinator
Brian Smith – Enterprise Infrastructure Architect | Assoc. Director
Briana Christensen – Part time Professor, Archives and Information Studies (college of STEM)
Bridgette McDonald – Executive Director, Career and Professional Development
Charlie Harris – Professor of Psychology
Comfort Obi – Dr/Associate Professor, College of Health
Daniel Smoak – Adjunct Professor of English
Dennis Miller – Associate Professor of Humanities
Dr. Justin J. Spurley – Part-Time Instructor, School of Education
Dr. LaTasha Adams – Associate Professor of Education
Dr. Tom FitzStephens – Director of Music Education and Choral Activities
Drew Brandon – Associate Professor of Chemistry
Elnora Farmer – Senior Lecturer, Interdisciplinary Studies
Eric Bridges – Professor and Director, Psychology
Erica Gannon – Professor, Psychology
Erica Johnson – Adjunct Instructor, Healthcare Management
Erica Taylor – Director, Student Success and New Student Programs
Erin Nagel – Assessment and Marketing Librarian
Genesis Polo – Executive assistant to Dean, College of STEM
Heidi V. Benford – Executive Assistant, Library Services
Celeste Walley-Jean – Associate Provost
Jahedy Rojas – Admission Counselor
James Pete – Vice President Information & Technology Services/Chief Information Officer
Jason Lee Guthrie – Associate Professor, Department of Film, Communication, and Performing Arts
Jeffery Flaugher – Shift Sergeant, Clayton State Public Safety
Jesse Aaron Zinn – Associate Professor of Economics
Jessica Hope – Sergeant, Clayton State Public Safety
Jillian Morgan – Instructor, Department of Computer Science & Information Technology
Joshua R. Meddaugh – Department of Social Sciences Chair, Professor of Political Science
Kate Cotter-Reilly – Lecturer of Accounting
LaTrika Staples – Director, Center for Advising and Retention
Leah Pieper – MPA Director/Assistant Professor, Social Sciences
Linda (Joie) Hain – Associate Professor, College of Business
Lori Calandra – Database Specialist, Office of Development
Mara Mooney – Professor of Legal Studies
Mary Lamb – Professor of English; Associate Dean of College of Arts and Sciences
Melanie Darby – Director of Education & Community Engagement, Spivey Hall
Melanie Poudevigne – Professor, Health and Fitness Management
Melissa Sheffield – Academic Advisor
Mesa B. Davis, Ph.D. – Director of Field Experiences/Assistant Professor, School of Education
Michael Lindsay – Associate Professor of English and African American Studies
Michelle Furlong – Exec. Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Accreditation
Nikia Yallah – Director, Human Resources
Onix Silva – Assistant Director of Residence Life
Patricia A Smith, Ed.D. – Professor of English/English Education
Prof Eugene Ngezem – Full Professor, English
Randall Snell – Assistant Director of Employer Relations, The Office of Career & Professional Development
Samuel J Maddox – Professor of Psychology
Sanjay Lal – Senior Philosophy Lecturer
Sarah Ray – Assistant Dean of Students
Shakeita Nicole Cothran – Police Sergeant, Clayton State Public Safety
Tiffany P. Burston – Business Manager, Housing Operations
Vivian Padin-Irizarry – Associate Professor, School of Sciences/ College of STEM