Understanding Black First-gen Men

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As conversations continue about the success and persistence of underserved populations, we must remember to center Black men's experiences. Black men are still underrepresented in higher education and have a 34% graduation rate. Many Black men are also first-generation college students, and this intersectional identity offers a lens through which we can better understand and support them throughout their academic journeys.

The presenter will examine emerging trends in the college and professional experiences of Black first-gen men and discuss this crucial population's successes and ongoing challenges.

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will:

describe emerging trends regarding the college and professional experiences of Black first-gen men; and
discuss Black first-gen men's successes and challenges.

Robert C. McGowan

Program Coordinator, Professional Development & Communications

Center for First-generation Student Success

Robert C. McGowan serves as program coordinator for professional development and communications with the Center for First-generation Student Success. In this role, he leads the Center's virtual professional development series and the First-Generation College Celebration while serving as strategy and content for the email newsletter. Robert also supports the Center's presence at conferences and events and the Center's overall communication plan–working to strengthen a national network of scholars and practitioners to cultivate data-informed, asset-based narratives of student success that drive innovation and acknowledge this crucial population’s deep intersectionality.

Previously, Robert served as the inaugural program coordinator for The University of Scranton’s first-generation student success initiative, where he collaborated with stakeholders to build a robust network of resources designed to ease the college transition while influencing key early momentum metrics and student success outcomes.

A proud first-generation college graduate, Robert earned his B.S. in psychology and philosophy from The University of Scranton, where he was inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu (ASN), the Jesuit honor society. Robert remains an active member of ASN.