Arkansas State University Hosts 'Evening with the Experts' for First-Generation College Students

On August 14, 2024, Arkansas State University ’s Student Success Center hosted a pivotal event to empower first-generation college students, those from low-income families, students with disabilities, and individuals aging out of the foster care system. The event, titled?Evening with the Experts, took place at the First National Bank Arena, offering these students a unique opportunity to gain insight into various career paths and the educational requirements needed to succeed in their chosen fields.

Evening with the Experts?was part of the?First in the Pack?program, dedicated to supporting students who may face additional challenges in navigating their college and career journeys. This program was particularly crucial for students unsure about what it takes to pursue professions such as law, medicine, and other specialized fields. The event featured a panel of professionals from diverse industries, including a lawyer, radiologist, teacher, forensic psychologist, dietitian, nurse, detective, artist, construction manager, and sports broadcaster, who provided a clear understanding of the education, qualifications, and responsibilities required in their respective careers.

“Student Support Services, a Federal TRIO Program, is committed to ensuring its participants are empowered with critical information to make informed decisions.?Evening with the Experts?is critical to our overarching goal because it connects current students with industry leaders in their various fields of study in hopes they make connections, solidify their career goals, and feel inspired by the stories they hear,” said Jerrod O. Lockhart, Ed.S., LMSW, Project Director, Student Support Services (Federal TRiO Programs).

A significant highlight of the event was the participation of Kelsey Rosenbaum , Sodexo's regional registered dietitian, who offered a unique perspective on the field of nutrition and dietetics. Rosenbaum addressed common misconceptions about the profession, explaining that dietitians are not limited to clinical settings but can also thrive in areas such as campus dining, community health, and food service management. She discussed the comprehensive educational training involved in becoming a registered dietitian, which includes subjects ranging from behavior change and micronutrient biochemistry to food science.

"Throughout my career as a campus dietitian, many students have expressed interest in my work, saying, 'I think I want to do what you do!' But few understand the extensive educational requirements or the wide variety of specialties that registered dietitians can pursue," Rosenbaum shared. "Our training is incredibly unique, and I’m excited to introduce this career field to students who are eager to help others and have a passion for food."

The?Evening with the Experts?event provided first-generation and other underrepresented students with the knowledge and confidence they need to make informed decisions about their educational and career paths. By offering direct access to professionals who have successfully navigated these paths, Arkansas State University hoped to inspire and equip these students with the tools necessary for their future success.

This event was a timely and important initiative as students returned to campus, marking the beginning of a new academic year filled with possibilities. It highlighted the university’s commitment to supporting its diverse student body and ensuring that all students have the resources they need to achieve their dreams.