V. 20 (2): NRConnect Spring 2025
Updates from the National Resource Center Team
44th Annual Conference on The First-Year Experience Recap
The National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition hosted over 2,000 delegates at the 44th Annual Conference on The First-Year Experience from February 16-19 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Delegates hailed from all 50 U.S. States, Washington, D.C., the United Kingdom, Taiwan, South Africa, Puerto Rico, Japan, Italy, Guam, France, Canada, and Belgium. With over 300 hours of educational sessions and 50+ vendors, there was much to explore and learn throughout the conference. We hope that you will join us for the 45th Annual Conference on The First-Year Experience from February 15-18, 2026 in Seattle, WA!
Congratulations to our 2025 Award Recipients!
During the Annual Conference on The First-Year Experience, the NRC team had the privilege of recognizing our 2025 award recipients during a special awards ceremony. Please join us in congratulating these individuals on their contributions to the field.
Outstanding First-Year Advocates Award Recipients (co-sponsored by Penguin Random House)
· Tonya Doane, Bennett College
· Dr. Lorrie Frederick, Community College of Baltimore County
· Dr. Hal Fulmer, Troy University
· Dr. Martine Howard, Camden County College
· Robert Jacks, Virginia Tech
· Dr. Kasey Karen, Georgia College and State University
· Leo Lachut, University of Connecticut
· Dr. Lance Vanderberg, Taylor University
· Dr. Adam Wasilko, Duquesne University
Jordan Smith Undergraduate Student Fellowship Award Recipients (co-sponsored by DIA Higher Education Collaborators)
· Chauncy Betts, Arkansas State University
· Brock McHood, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
· Grace Prince, Furman University
· Karis Sustar, University of North Carolina – Greensboro
· Kavitha Viswanadham, George Mason University
Excellence in Teaching First-Year Seminars Award Recipient
· Dr. Jane Robertson Evia, Virginia Tech
Coming soon!
There is so much happening at the NRC this year, and we hope that you will engage with our events and resources. Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn to stay up to date on the latest happenings as they are announced, including:
· Paul P. Fidler Research Grant applications
· New publications, including the 2023 National Survey on The First-Year Experience
· Online Courses
· Institute on First-Year Seminars | September 18-19, 2025 | Columbia, SC
· 32nd National Conference on Students in Transition | October 1-3, 2025 | Virtual
· 45th Annual Conference on The First-Year Experience | February 15-18, 2026 | Seattle, WA
Contact Us
Have questions about the National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition? Don’t hesitate to contact us at fye@mailbox.sc.edu for assistance.
Have questions about this issue of Insights? Contact our Editor, Dr. Annie Kelly, at FYEInsights@mailbox.sc.edu.