Since its founding in 1921, Adams State has prioritized students who are the first in their families to attend and graduate from college. Over 50% of Adams State’s undergraduate students are first generation students. The Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) recently recognized Adams State as a First-Generation Serving Institution.
CDHE launched the First Generation-Serving Campus designation, recognizing colleges and universities that enroll and support a higher-than-average number of first-generation students—defined as students whose parents did not complete a bachelor’s degree.
Many Adams State administrators and faculty members were themselves first-gen students, including Vice President for Student Affairs Savala DeVoge, Ed.D., and Vice President of Advancement Jake Rissler. In the fall of 2024, they, along with Lane DeVoge, established the Grizzly Summit First-Generation Student Endowment. All three understand the trajectory that a bachelor’s degree can offer and created the endowment to help eliminate some of the obstacles first-generation students face.
“We are proud that the CDHE officially recognizes and affirms what we know and see every day with our students – that we are a First-Generation Serving Institution,” VP Rissler said. “Adams State will continue to serve all students with a variety of resources available for any student who may need additional guidance or assistance.”
Established through House Bill 24-1082, the First-Generation Serving Institution designation honors institutions whose first generation resident undergraduate enrollment meets or exceeds the statewide average of 37 percent over three consecutive years, as well as institutions participating in the FirstGen Forward Network, a national network of colleges and universities committed to advancing the success of first-generation college students through intentional, institution-wide strategies.
CDHE also publishes a First-Generation Dashboard highlighting enrollment trends by institution, gender and race/ethnicity. Future enhancements will include persistence and completion outcomes, reinforcing Colorado’s commitment to equity and first-generation student success.
Learn more by visiting the First Generation-Serving Designation webpage.
