Augusta University welcomes first class of first-generation honor society  

Augusta University’s Office of Multicultural Student Engagement held the inaugural induction ceremony for Alpha Alpha Alpha, a national honor society for first-generation college students, on Monday, March 24. The ceremony welcomed 16 undergraduate students and six graduate students, recognizing their achievements as first-generation scholars. 

Two faculty members, Kelly Allen, PhD, assistant professor in the College of Education and Human Development, and Darryl Nettles, DPA, a postdoctoral research fellow in the Georgia Cancer Center, were also inducted into the society. As members, the pair will provide guidance and insight from their own college journey.  

“I am so elated to be inducted into Tri-Alpha,” said Nettles. “I see this as a golden opportunity to mentor individuals who are first-generation college students as I have been.” 

Sierra Sasha Webber, MSE coordinator, emphasized the importance of the honor society creating a space for first-generation students, faculty, staff and alumni to be celebrated. 

“Tri-Alpha allows students to come together and provide an intentional, special place where they can meet others in the first-generation community here at Augusta University,” said Webber.   

Webber plans to incorporate student voices in the shaping of the organization and its role on campus. Members will attend monthly meetings, volunteer and receive the opportunity to apply for officer positions.  

Keisha Pettis-Gilmore, a second-year undergraduate student majoring in world languages with a concentration in Spanish, joined Tri-Alpha and hopes to gain experience in leadership roles and contribute to the society’s long-term vision.  

“Tri-Alpha benefits everyone as a whole, especially by honoring the first people to do such a great achievement,” said Pettis-Gilmore. “For many first-generation students, you don’t particularly know the type of support system they have at home. So, when they attend a school that finally recognizes them not just for their academic accomplishments but for their personal ones also, it reaffirms and gives them an extra boost of confidence.”   

Jacque Copeland, a fourth-year undergraduate student majoring in psychology with a kinesiology minor, joined for networking, leadership and mentorship opportunities, along with the increased access to resources.  

“As a first-generation college student, it can be mentally challenging to feel behind from not having certain information or knowledge of college life passed along,” said Copeland. “With a community such as Tri-Alpha, it can provide additional support and purpose for sharing challenges and lessons with other first generations.”   

The MSE office will notify qualifying students annually about joining. Undergraduate students must have at least 30 credit hours, a GPA of at least 3.2, and meet first-generation criteria. Graduate students must have completed the equivalent of at least one term of study (nine or more graduate credits), a GPA of at least 3.5 and meet first-generation criteria.  

Alumni, faculty and staff interested in joining the Tri-Alpha Honor Society can contact the Multicultural Student Engagement office.