Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded program whose main goal is to retain and graduate qualifying students by providing academic advisement, personal support, and enrichment activities.
SSS serves first-generation college students and/or low-income or disabled students who exhibit some type of academic need. This need may be for graduate school information, assistance with the financial aid process, or the request for academic services such as free tutoring.
As a student enrolled in SSS, you will have select, FREE access to an incredible online financial literacy program called LIT. LIT offers over 70 interactive videos, calculators, and helpful resources on a huge variety of money topics to help you get control of your finances and feel empowered to make good decisions! LIT will help you get your money mindset right and put smart systems in place so you can achieve even your wildest financial goals.
The Pioneering Connections Peer Mentoring Program is designed to provide a connection for first-year, underrepresented students in their transition to the Tusculum’s community by providing support and resources to increase their success and engagement.
If you are interested in participating as a mentor or a protégé (mentee), please contact Steveland Anderson at sanderson@tusculum.edu.
Niswonger Commons, 412
rbarnett@tusculum.edu
(423)636-7300 ext. 5206
Niswonger Commons, 417
mstark@tusculum.edu
(423)636-7300 ext. 5825
Niswonger Commons, 413
kcox@tusculum.edu
(423)636-7300 ext. 5635
Niswonger Commons, 412
sanderson@tusculum.edu
(423)636-7300 ext. 5826
Niswonger Commons, 414
My education has meant the world to me. My parents always stated how proud they were of me even if they didn’t fully understand what I was going through. Their support, along with the support of my extended family and college family is what got me through. I strive to be that support for first-generation students each day.
I am proud to be a first-generation graduate because my Mom and Dad sacrificed to ensure that I was able to graduate from college. Their sacrifice and the sacrifice of my husband enabled me not only to obtain an undergraduate degree but to obtain both a master’s degree and a doctorate. As a result, I have been able to teach children with disabilities as well as train pre-and in-service teachers how to work with some of God’s most precious gifts.
As a child, my life dreams and aspirations were to be an Astronaut or President of the United States. I believe that the more one knows about the world, the more one is able to do. So for me, getting a college education was a necessary means to pursue my personal happiness and success.
School was really hard, especially at a huge university. My work took a little longer than others but I was determined. Now my work ethic is solid and my purpose is to help others do the same.
I think back to the encouragement that I received from my parents: “Education is important to your future. You have one life to live so dare to be different and choose the path that you will enjoy the most. Wherever you go, always remember your family”. This is also what my wife and I have instilled in our two sons.
My sister and I were the first in our family to go to college. My undergraduate degree is from SUNY Geneseo. I am also the first in my family to complete my graduate degree AND I am the first TEACHER!
I am a first-generation UTK grad with a BS in Music Education and an MS in Curriculum and Instruction. After teaching in Knox County for seven years, I came to Tusculum in 2008 and have worked as the Director of Clinical Experience for the College of Education since 2012.
Sometimes there tends to be some trial and error when you’re new at something. As a first-generation college student that was definitely the case for me. But, I stuck with it, worked as hard as I could, and ultimately reached my goal of receiving my degree.
Being a first-generation student, I knew that college offered an untold amount of opportunities, but I could’ve never guessed the challenges that came with it. Without the support and encouragement of TRIO, I don’t think I could have completed my bachelor’s, let alone my master’s degree.
I grew up in an underserved area of Kentucky, where very few students attended or graduated from college. However, my parents always pushed me to be the first in our family to go to college and graduate. I take great pride in being a first-generation college student, and it allows me to be able to relate to, and help TU’s first-generation college students. My goal is to help our students achieve and experience things they never dreamed were possible!