S1 E10: You Belong Here: Helping First-Generation College Students Beyond Academics

What if the key to student success wasn’t just academics—but believing you belong?

Attending a large state university can be overwhelming for many students but imagine the extra challenges and pressures of being the first person in your family to attend college. Host Jennie Treby sits down with Michael Hartline, Dean of the Florida State University College of Business, to explore how FSU is transforming the college experience for first-generation students. With over 1,100 first-gen business majors and initiatives that include living-learning communities, etiquette dinners and professional development funding, FSU is leading the charge in student success.

Listen in to learn:

• Why first-gen students often hesitate to pursue business degrees —and how FSU is changing that
• How early engagement programs and living-learning communities build confidence and help students overcome Imposter Syndrome
• The importance of career readiness, soft skills and real-world prep beyond the classroom
• Dean Hartline’s personal first-gen journey and the impact of leading with empathy

With the right support, first-gen students aren’t just finding their way—they’re leading the way.

Links:

Think Big for Kids

Florida State University College of Business

More about Dean Hartline

Dean Hartline on LinkedIn

About host Jennie Treby

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.