First-Generation College Graduates and the Factors to Their Success
Faculty Department
Psychology
Presentation Type
Powerpoint
Location
Larini Room
Start Date
25-2-2026 3:55 PM
End Date
25-2-2026 4:10 PM
Description (Abstract)
This phenomenological study was conducted to understand the lived experiences of first-generation college graduates and explore the main factors that contributed to their degree completion. Tinto’s (1975) dropout theory served as the theoretical framework for the study as it discusses various factors that may influence a student to drop out of college and the roles that parents, community members, schools and teachers play in the process. Findings showed that high-school preparatory classes; having supportive faculty; feeling a sense of belonging to the institution; and encouragement from family, friends, and community members were the major factors that impacted degree completion for the participants.
Related Pillar(s)
Community, Study
First-Generation College Graduates and the Factors to Their Success
Larini Room
This phenomenological study was conducted to understand the lived experiences of first-generation college graduates and explore the main factors that contributed to their degree completion. Tinto’s (1975) dropout theory served as the theoretical framework for the study as it discusses various factors that may influence a student to drop out of college and the roles that parents, community members, schools and teachers play in the process. Findings showed that high-school preparatory classes; having supportive faculty; feeling a sense of belonging to the institution; and encouragement from family, friends, and community members were the major factors that impacted degree completion for the participants.
Short Biography
Dr. Kimberly Johnson, PhD, NCC, is an assistant professor in the School of Arts and Sciences within the Department of Psychology at Molloy University. She has been actively involved in the field of mental health and educational psychology, including having over 10 years of experience in nonprofit, academic programs and running homeless shelters in NYC. Her specialty includes school and educational psychology with a focus on trauma and first-generation college students.
Dr. Johnson received her PhD in educational psychology from Regent University, her master’s degree in counseling from Syracuse University and her bachelor’s degree from SUNY Stony Brook. She has a clinical license in New Jersey and has been providing one on one and group counseling for 6 years.