Open to all full-time and part-time employees. Nominees are not required to identify as first-generation college graduates. Recognizes an employee who demonstrates an exceptional commitment to advancing the success of first-generation college students through mentorship, advocacy, collaboration, and the intentional creation of a culture where first-generation students can thrive. This award honors employees whose efforts extend beyond their primary responsibilities  by building meaningful relationships, connecting students to opportunities, and serving as a visible champion for first-generation student success.

• Student Advocacy and Mentorship: Provides meaningful mentoring and individualized support for first-generation students. Helps students navigate academic, professional, and personal challenges. Encourages persistence, confidence, and sense of belonging.
• Campus Engagement: Actively participates in first-generation initiatives, events, or programming. Partners with campus offices to expand opportunities for first-generation students. Promotes awareness of resources and encourages student participation.
• Inclusive Teaching Practices: Demonstrates evidence-based practices that support student success by creating welcoming classroom environments; communicating clear expectations; connecting students with academic resources; incorporating strategies that improve belonging and engagement; and recognizing and addressing barriers commonly experienced by first-generation students.
• Expanding Opportunities: Creates or promotes opportunities that broaden student success, such as:
  • undergraduate research; internships; education abroad;
  • scholarships; leadership development; career preparation; and graduate school exploration.
  • Collaboration and Leadership: Demonstrates leadership by serving as a campus advocate for first-generation initiatives; collaborating across departments or colleges;
  • sharing promising practices with colleagues; and
  • contributing to institutional efforts that strengthen first-generation student success.
• Sustained Impact: Evidence that the nominee's work has resulted in measurable or observable outcomes such as:
  • improved student engagement; increased participation in first-generation programs; successful mentoring relationships; positive student testimonials; creation of new initiatives or resources; and lasting institutional improvements.

This award recognizes an outstanding first-generation undergraduate (junior or senior status) and graduate student who exemplifies initiative, determination, and purpose in pursuing their educational goals. This award honors students who forge their own path by balancing their academic pursuits with meaningful responsibilities and experiences, such as employment, family commitments, research, internships, creative endeavors, military service, caregiving, or other significant contributions. Through their resilience, resourcefulness, and persistence, these students make meaningful progress toward their academic and professional aspirations while enriching the University of South Carolina community. Nominees must be actively involved in campus life and in good academic and social standing. 

• Academic Commitment and Growth: Demonstrates a sustained commitment to learning and progress toward academic goals.
• Initiative in Pursuing Opportunities: Actively seeks opportunities that support academic, professional, or personal development beyond minimum degree requirements.
• Resourcefulness and Resilience: Demonstrates the ability to adapt, solve problems, and persist in pursuit of educational and professional goals. Nominees use available resources, seek support when needed, and respond to challenges with determination and a growth mindset.
• Future Vision: Demonstrates a clear sense of purpose and thoughtful planning for future educational, career, or personal aspirations.
• Positive Influence: Serves as a positive example through character, professionalism, and contributions to others.

Undergraduate first-generation student nominees must be actively involved in campus life and in good academic and social standing. The undergraduate student award will recognize outstanding accomplishments and general impact in any or all of the following areas:

• Leadership and Involvement: Engages in service learning, experiential-based learning, and community service and leadership opportunities across campus that have an impact at the University, local, regional, national, or international level.
• First-Generation Initiative: Demonstrates commitment to advancing first-generation student success on campus and/or in the community by participating in first-generation-focused programming and services that support and advocate for first-generation students.
• High Impact Practices: Participates in undergraduate research, living-learning communities, and/or education abroad experiences.

Graduate first-generation student nominees must be actively involved in campus life and in good academic and social standing. The graduate student award will recognize outstanding accomplishments and general impact in any or all of the following areas:

• Leadership and Involvement: Engages in service learning, experiential-based learning, and community service and leadership opportunities across campus that have an impact at the University, local, regional, national, or international level.
• First-Generation Initiative: Demonstrates commitment to advancing first-generation student success on campus and/or in the community by participating in first-generation-focused programming and services that support and advocate for first-generation students.
• Research: Participates in research, presentations at conferences, and academic publications.

Faculty nominees must be full-time faculty. Both professional track and tenure-track faculty are eligible for nomination. The nominee does not have to be first-generation. The faculty award will recognize outstanding accomplishments and general impact in any or all of the following areas:

• Teaching: Develops and implements effective, evidence-based strategies for teaching that advance understanding of first-generation students and/or enhance the education of first-generation students in the nominee's field of instruction.
• Research: Contributes to the body of research that advances the understanding of or improves the first-generation college student experience in the nominee's field of study.
• Service/Outreach: Uses professional expertise in activities promoting the advancement (e.g., social, academic, professional) of first-generation college students, including volunteering time and resources to first-generation programs and events. The nominee's contributions should extend beyond assigned duties, reflecting a personal dedication to first-generation college students.

Staff nominees must be full-time, permanent employees. The nominee does not have to be a first-generation student. Their contributions should extend beyond assigned duties, reflecting a personal dedication to first-generation college students. The staff award will recognize outstanding accomplishments and general impact in any or all of the following areas:

• First-Generation Student Advocate: Identifies first-generation college students experiencing common challenges connecting to campus resources. Fosters a sense of community in interactions with first-generation students.
• Service/Outreach: Uses professional expertise and resources in activities promoting the advancement (e.g., social, academic, professional) of first-generation college students, including volunteering time and resources to first-generation programs and events.
• First-Generation Initiative: Participates in first-generation trainings, workshops, events, symposiums, and conferences.

Alumni nominees must be first-generation graduates of the University of South Carolina. Both undergraduate and graduate alumni are eligible. The alumni award will recognize outstanding accomplishments and general impact in any or all of the following areas:

• USC Community: Contributes to the USC community through service on panels, boards/councils, speaking to classes, and/or mentoring students.
• Community Involvement: Volunteers time and resources in support of local organizations and community advancement.
• Distinguished Career Contribution: Demonstrates a sustained record of professional excellence, including impactful work in their field and recognition through awards, promotions, publications, or leadership roles at the local, regional, or national level.

Lenyx Coviak

Lenyx Coviak is a first-generation undergraduate student known for their intellectual curiosity, perseverance, and deep commitment to service. They completed a B.A. in Political Science in just three years and are now pursuing a BSW, while also earning recognition through Phi Beta Kappa and Tri-Alpha First-Generation Honors Society. On campus, Lenyx leads with integrity and compassion, serving as a Resident Mentor, Mental Health Ambassador, and Student Government representative, to name a few. Through study abroad, research, and service as a DSS Scholar, they consistently demonstrate a passion for advocacy, leadership, and advancing opportunities for others. 

Jacob R. Watson

Jacob is a Ph.D. candidate in Cognitive and Neural Sciences at the University of South Carolina and a Presidential Fellow. As a first-generation college student, Jacob has transformed his personal journey into a mission to expand access to STEM education and support the next generation of scholars. His research focuses on the neuroscience of addiction, investigating the neural circuitry underlying substance use disorders to identify mechanisms that reduce relapse vulnerability.

His work has contributed to multiple peer-reviewed publications and national conference presentations. Beyond the lab, Jacob serves as President of the Graduate Association for Brain Awareness (GABA), where he leads initiatives including the Future STEM Heroes Fair for elementary students, NeuroSC – a free 8-week virtual neuroscience course for high schoolers, and the South Carolina Brain Bee competition. As an NSF Graduate Research Fellow and Peer Fellowship Mentor with the National Fellowships Office, he guides graduate students through the NSF GRFP application process, drawing on his own success as an awardee. Jacob has also served as a panelist for TRIO and McNair programs, sharing his first-generation experience with first-gen undergraduate students. Through mentorship in his lab, he has helped numerous students achieve academic recognition and scholarships, demonstrating his commitment to fostering the success of future scientists from all backgrounds.

Haley Hatfield

Dr. Haley Hatfield is an Assistant Professor in the College of Information and Communications at the University of South Carolina. A first-generation college graduate, she earned a BFA in Digital Art from Kansas State University, an MFA in Digital Art from Louisiana State University, an MA in Media Arts and Sciences from Indiana University, and a Ph.D. in Mass Communication from the University of Georgia. 
 
Her research focuses on immersive media, virtual environments, and youth engagement, with particular attention to environmental and health communication. She has published in leading journals such as Environmental Justice, International Journal of Advertising, and Journal of Communication, and her work often integrates community-based participatory research methods. 
 
At USC, Dr. Hatfield teaches courses in visual communication and immersive media design. She also serves on both the College-level and University-wide first-generation committees and directs the Future XR Scholars program, mentoring high school students in research and digital media. 

Rachel Onley

Rachel Onley, M.Ed. is dedicated to advancing opportunities for first-generation students in medical education. As Manager of Pre-Clerkship Education and First-Generation Program Lead at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, she created and directs the school’s First-Generation Program, supporting nearly 20% of the student body. Under her leadership, the program received recognition as a FirstGen Forward grant recipient in 2024. 
 
Rachel’s work centers on building inclusive support structures, mentoring, and fostering success among first-generation medical students. Her research as a Ph.D. candidate in Educational Leadership in Higher Education also focuses on first-generation medical students and the impact of social capital on their lived experiences, further shaping her evidence-based approach to student development. 
 
With expertise in curriculum management, career services, programming, and leadership development, Rachel is committed to ensuring that first-generation students not only persist but thrive in rigorous academic and professional environments. 

Brandon Baskett

Dr. Brandon L. Baskett is a first-generation college graduate and dynamic educational leader committed to expanding access to higher education. As Director of The College Center in Lexington County School District One, he founded an early college high school program that has grown from 17 to 200 students and coordinates dual enrollment opportunities for more than 1,000 students. His leadership has driven a 96% college application rate among participants. 
 
Beyond his district role, Dr. Baskett is Founder & CEO of Sustainable Leadership Solutions LLC and Founder & President of Seeds of Wisdom, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to community service and youth empowerment. He serves on multiple state and national boards, mentors future educators, and leads professional development initiatives. 
 
A graduate of USC Aiken with advanced degrees from the University of South Carolina and Liberty University, Dr. Baskett uses his own first-generation journey to inspire others. His work reflects resilience, vision, and a steadfast commitment to helping students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, achieve their college and career dreams.