First-Generation Faculty & Staff
Below is a directory of self-identified first-generation faculty and staff. This list serves as a resource for First in the Forest scholars who want to connect with professionals on campus with similar backgrounds and experiences.
If you are a faculty or staff member who would like to be featured on the list, please fill out the form below:
First-Generation Staff
Dr. W. Patrick Bingham
Director
Center for Research on Abroad and International Student Engagement (RAISE Center)
he/him/his
University of East Anglia: Ph.D., ’17 | George Mason University, B.A., ’08
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: Network and connect within and beyond your circle. Also, follow through.
Dr. Bradley Burroughs
Director of Leadership and Character in Academic, Civic, and Religious Life
The Program for Leadership and Character
he/him/his
Emory University: Ph.D., ’12 | Duke University: MDiv, ’06 | Allegheny College: B.A., ’02
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: When I went to college, I knew essentially nothing about what it meant or how to succeed. One could hardly be more ignorant than I was. So you should feel comfortable asking me any question. And there are many others who feel the same way.
Dr. Denisha Champion
Director
University Counseling Center
she/her/hers
University of North Carolina at Greensboro: Ph.D., ’12; M.S., ’08 | Clemson University: B.A., ’04
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: WFU is an incredibly well-resourced place – counseling, healthcare, world-class faculty/education, travel/study abroad opportunities, tutoring, the list goes on. USE the resources at your disposal to get the most from your college experience. There are so many resources it can be overwhelming or lead you to feel you don’t know where to start. Find a mentor who can help guide you through your college experience and help you be thoughtful about what you want to pursue and what is a low priority for you. A mentor can be a faculty member, a staff member, or an older student. Oh yeah – the OPCD has mentors available too!
Dr. Betsy Chapman
Executive Director of Family Communications
University Marketing and Communications
University of North Carolina at Greensboro: Ph.D. in Higher Education, ’19 | Wake Forest University: B.A. in English and French, ’92; M.A. in English, ’94
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: Comparison is the thief of joy. Be the best you that you can be, and don’t compare yourself to your peers. Everyone has different gifts and talents.
Keith Gilmer
Chief Administrative Officer
School of Business
Lander University: B.S. in Business Administration, ’85
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: Ask for help early and often
Ashley Graham Phipps, M.S.
Associate Director, Data & Technology
Office of Career and Personal Development
she/her/hers
Wake Forest University: M.S. in General Management; B.A. in Political Science, minor in International Studies and Women’s & Gender Studies
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: Find friends not only in the faculty, but also staff
Dr. Cherise James
Director of Orientation
New Student and Transition Programs
she/her/hers
University of North Carolina at Greensboro: Ph.D. in Education Studies, ’19 | Nova Southeastern University: M.S.in College Student Affairs, ’09 | University of Florida: B.S. in Public Relations, ’04
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: Never hesitate to reach out or ask for help. Everyone does not have it all figured as it might seem.
Vicki Keslar, MPA
Senior Associate Director, Employer Relations Operations
Office of Career and Personal Development
she/her/hers
Carnegie Mellon University,: Master of Public Management, ’04 | Indiana University of Pennsylvania: B.S. in Industrial Management, ’97
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: Find your people, get involved and actively engage with the resources Wake provides for your success! Go to office hours and build relationships with your professors–they’re rooting for you.
Bryanna Ledbetter
Assistant Dean of Admissions
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
she/her/hers
UNC Chapel Hill: B.A. in History and Management & Society
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: Ask questions! If you don’t understand something – whether that’s a class concept, applying for financial aid, adjusting to college life, or anything else – ask a question. There’s no shame in not having all the answers and you won’t know the answers if you never ask.
Rafael Lima
Digital Content Manager
Reynolda House Museum of American Art & Reynolda Gardens
he/him/his
Wake Forest University: B.A., ’21
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: Don’t be afraid to seek out help. We’ve been in your shoes and want to see you succeed!
Mary Beth Lock, MALS
Associate Dean
Z. Smith Reynolds Library
she/her/hers
Wake Forest University: MALS, ’19 | North Carolina Central University: MLIS, ’10 | Wayne State University: B.A. ’91,
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: There is never a better time to be in school than now. It never gets easier to finish a degree later.
Eric Maguire, M.S.
Vice President for Enrollment
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
he/him/his
Indiana University: M.S. in Higher Education Administration, ’00 | Muhlenberg College: B.A. in Psychology, ’97
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: You belong. My admissions colleagues and I recognize that you have all of the tools to navigate this unfamiliar space, make it your own, and catapult yourself to greatness!
Deb Marke, MSW
Associate Director, Democratic Engagement & Justice Programs
Office of Civic and Community Engagement
she/they
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: M.S.W. with concentration in Community, Management, and Policy Practice, ’25 | Wake Forest University: B.S. in Health & Exercise Science, minor in Psychology and Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies, ’16
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: And remember: success doesn’t have one definition. It’s not about fitting a mold; it’s about building a life that reflects your values, your vision, and your joy. You’ve already done something extraordinary by getting here: keep going, keep growing, and give yourself permission to celebrate how far you’ve come.
Dr. Whitney Milhouse
Senior Associate Director
School of Business
milhouw@wfu.edu
UNC Charlotte: Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, expected ’26 | PennWest University: M.S. in Sports Management, ’13 | University of Louisville: B.S. in Exercise Science, ’08
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: The path may not always be easy, but you are not alone, and you belong in every space you enter. Keep going! Your hard work and resilience will carry you to the finish line and beyond.
Mary Monterrojas Knapp
Associate Director, MSA Integrative Student Services
School of Business
she/her/ella
Edinboro University: B.A. in Sociology, minor in Psychology & Women’s Studies
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: If you don’t try, you will never know if you are capable of something. Dream big!
Sheena Ramirez
Senior Associate Dean & Director of Coordinated Enrollment Systems
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Oberlin Conservatory: B.M. in Music, ’06
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: You are here because you earned your spot, and no one can take that away from you. Your tenacity and grit as a first-generation college student make you a valuable addition to the community, so take advantage of all of the resources here so that you can make yourself, your family, and Wake Forest proud!
Maggie Sheridan, M.A.
Senior Academic Advisor
Office of Academic Advising
she/her/hers
Stetson University: B.A. in English, ’10; M.A. in English, ’13
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: Believing you can’t will be the reason you don’t.
Shell Sizemore, M.A.
Director
Women’s Center
she/her/hers
Wake Forest University: B.A., ’02; M.A., ’06
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: Resist the temptation to be like everyone else. You were admitted because of who you are, what you know, and your ability to make the campus a better place. Keep that individuality and celebrate it as a strength.
Medina Thompson, M.Ed.
Manager of Staff Training and Development
Residence Life & Housing
Regent University: M.Ed. in Student Affairs, ’19; B.A. in Christian Ministry, ’15
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: The time goes by fast! You are not alone and there are so many valuable resources available with one chat, call, email, or message to so many folks on this campus. We are rooting for you more than you know!
Karen Vargas, MSM
Dean of Admissions
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
she/her/ella
Rosemont College: MSM, ’09 | Haverford College: B.A. in Sociology, ’03
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: Embrace change and be open to many opportunities that will come your way. At times it may feel overwhelming but know that you are not alone.
Dr. Kristi Verbeke
Director of Educational Development & Part Time Assistant Teaching Professor
Center for the Advancement of Teaching & Psychology
she/her/hers
Wayne State University: Ph.D. in Instructional Technology, ’13 |
Drake University: B.S. in Psychology, ’96
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students? Study abroad! (even if you think you can’t afford it)
Dr. José Villalba
Vice President and Special Advisor to the President
The Office of the President
he/him/his
The University of Florida: B.S. in Psychology ’94; M.Ed. ’97 and Ed.S. ’97 in Counseling; Ph.D. in Counselor Education ’02
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students? Do not let being scared turn into being afraid.
Malachi Woodard
Admissions Counselor
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
he/him/his
Wake Forest University: B.A. in Sociology, ’24
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: As a first-generation student, your perspective enriches the Wake Forest community and helps expand its sense of who belongs here. Embracing this identity will open doors to meaningful support and resources—both during your time at Wake and beyond.
First-Generation Faculty
Dr. Fabiola Alba-Vivar
Assistant Professor
Department of Economics
she/her/hers
Columbia University: MPhil in Economics and Education, ’23; Ph.D. in Economics and Education, ’24 | Brown University: M.A. in Economics, ’19 | PUCP, Lima-Peru: B.A. in Economics, ’14
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: Be yourself! Remember that your story is your greatest strength. You’ve already achieved so much, and even more possibilities are ahead of you.
Dr. Jack Amoureux
Associate Teaching Professor
Department of Politics and International Affairs
he/him/his
Boise State University: B.S. in Political Science, ’99 | Boise State University: Master of Public Administration, ’01 | University of Iowa: M.A., Political Science, ’02 | Brown University: Ph.D. in Political Science, ’11
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: Visit your professors! They want to get to know you and help you reach your goals.
Dr. Merve Balkaya-Ince
Assistant Professor
Department of Psychology
she/her/hers
University of Maryland: Ph.D. in Applied Developmental Psychology, ’20 | Ege University: B.A. in Psychology, ’13
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: Find your village of mentors to help uplift you and make meaning of the complexities of your experiences!
Professor Simone M. Caron, Ph.D.
Professor
Department of History
they/them/theirs
Clark University: Ph.D. in History, ’90 | Northeastern University: M.A. in History, ’85 | Bridgewater State University: B.A. in History, ’83
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: If you feel overwhelmed, reach out to a first-gen faculty member!
Dr. Phillip Cunningham
Assistant Professor of Media Studies
Department of Communication
he/him/his
Bowling Green State University: Ph.D. in American Culture Studies, ’11 | Temple University: M.A. in English (Creative Writing), ’00 | Ohio University: B.A. in English (Creative Writing), ’98
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: Take advantage of every resource available to you! Don’t concern yourself with whether or not others utilize those resources.
Dr. Lara do Amaral Silva
Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
she/her/hers
São Paulo State University / University of North Texas: Ph.D., ’20 | São Paulo State University: M.S., ’16 | University of Western São Paulo: B.S., ’13
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: Get involved in research early on; this will open so many doors for your future.
Rob Eastman-Mullins, MFA
Professor of Design & Production
Department of Theatre & Dance
he/him/his
North Carolina School of the Arts: M.F.A. in Scenic and Costume Design, ’05 | Mary Washington College: BLS in Theatre & Theatre Management, ’00
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: Networking and informational interviewing will make your career and are among the most important things you can do for getting a job or advancing.
Dr. Nikki Elston
Associate Teaching Professor, Assistant Dean for Office of Academic Advising
Department of Counseling
Georgia State University: Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Practice | St. Cloud State University: M.N., M.S. in College Student Development and Counseling | University of West Florida: B.S., B.A, in Marketing
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: Comparing yourself to others is not worth your time. Instead,focus on what you bring to Wake, remember you earned your way here. You are capable of this work. When you have questions, ask. Talk to your faculty, go to office hours, stay after class, do whatever YOU need to do to feel supported. Also, try not to let grades rule your life. If you’d like to hear more about my take on grades, come visit me!
Dr. Susan E. Fahrbach
Reynolds Professor of Developmental Neuroscience & Professor of Biology
Department of Biology
she/her/hers
The Rockefeller University: Ph.D., ’85 | Oxford University: M.A., ’79 | University of Pennsylvania: B.A., ’77
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: Don’t compare yourself with students who went to awesome high schools – most of them did not take advantage of their advantages. You worked harder to get where you are, and you will probably keep that habit for the rest of your studies and your career, which will help you to excel.
Dr. Christopher Gilliam
Assistant Professor of Music & Director of Choral Activities
Department of Music
University of Kansas: D.M.A, M.M., ’03
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: Work hard, be patient, welcome discomfort, persevere.
Dr. Amanda Griffith
Associate Dean for Academic Planning and Professor of Economics
Dean’s Office
she/her/hers
Cornell University: M.A, in Economics; Ph.D. in Economics, ‘09 | Colgate University: B.A. in Economics & Biology, ‘04
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: Use all of the resources available to you!
Dr. Woodrow Hood
Director of Critical and Creative Media, Director of Film and Media
Department of Communication
he/him/his
University of Missouri: Ph.D., ’97
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: You Belong Here. This is the most important message. You were admitted to Wake Forest because the admissions committee saw your potential, your intellect, and your unique story. You earned your spot. Don’t fall into the trap of “imposter syndrome.” Your lived experience is a strength, not a deficit.
Dr. A. Daniel Johnson
Teaching Professor
Department of Biology
University of North Carolina at Charlotte: B.S., ’85
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: It is okay to make mistakes, as long as you learn something from them.
Dr. Jeffrey A. Katula
Professor
Department of Health and Exercise Science
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign: Ph.D. in Kinesiology, ’99 | Loyola University: Counseling Psychology, ’95 | Augustana College: Psychology, ’92
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: Take advantage of university resources
Dr. Lisa Kiang
Professor
Department Psychology
she/her/hers
University of Denver: Ph.D. ’04 | University of Maryland, College Park: B.S. in Psychology ’99
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: you belong and deserve to be here!
Dr. John Petrocelli
Professor
Department of Psychology
Indiana University: Ph.D. in Pyschology, ’07
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: Work diligently to discover what you really want to do as a career, and consider your college education the first, major step in direct training in the career you wish to pursue. “When you know how to think, it empowers you far beyond those who know only what to think.” —Neil deGrasse Tyson
Dr. Annette L. Ranft
Dean & FM Kirby Foundation Chair in Business Excellence
School of Business
Kenan-Flagler Business School, UNC Chapel Hill: Ph.D. in Business Administration, ’97 | Georgia Institute of Technology: M.S. in Management, ’90 | Appalachian State University: Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, ’86
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: Don’t let self-doubt limit you. You’ve earned your place here — take initiative, ask questions, and make the most of every opportunity.
Dr. Freddie Salsbury
Professor & Physics Graduate Director
Department of Physics
University of California Berkeley: Ph.D., ’99 | The University of Chicago: B.S. in Mathematics and Chemistry, ’95
What is one piece of advice you would share with first-generation students? Take advantage of all the opportunities around you!
Dr. Kenneth Simington
Assistant Teaching Professor
Department of Counseling
he/him/his
University of North Carolina at Greensboro: Ph.D. in Counseling and Counselor Education | UNC Chapel Hill: M.Ed. in Counseling; B.A. in Psychology
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: Enjoy your time in the Forest!
Dr. Steve Smith
Assistant Teaching Professor
Environment and Sustainability Studies
he/him/his
North Carolina State University: Ph.D. in Earth Science, ’16 | University of Rhode Island: M.S. in Oceanography, ’10 | Bucknell University: B.S. in Environmental Geology, ’08
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: Get to know your professors, if possible. This could mean getting to class a little early or staying a little late to chat, going to office hours, or even seeing if they would be interested in having lunch with a group of students. I think most professors love interacting with students and finding ways to connect outside of the classroom.
Encarna Turner, M.A.
Associate Professor of the Practice
Department of Spanish
Brigham Young University: B.A in Spanish Translation, M.A. in Spanish with an emphasis on Linguistics
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: While at Wake, take the time to build strong support systems. We care about you! You matter!
Dr. Claudia Valdez
Associate Teaching Professor
Department of Spanish
she/her/hers
The University of Arizona: Ph.D., ’13
What is one piece of advice would you share with first-generation students?: Find a mentor