New Student Organization Connects First-Gen Student-Athletes

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Razorback Student-Athlete Development launched a new student organization in September serving first-generation Arkansas student-athletes.

GeNext’s aim is to build a community, empower and connect first-generation student-athletes.

“First-generation” is defined as those who are the first to attend college, or the first individual in their family to receive an undergraduate degree.

GeNext meets once a month in the Jerry and Gene Jones Student-Athlete Success Center to discuss important topics that each student-athlete may face throughout their unique college experience.

The organization has had two meetings since its inception, on Sept. 25 and on Oct. 3. Topics of discussion have included “The Power of Community” and “Empowered To Live,” which covered the influence that visual images and music play in developing student-athletes’ decision-making abilities, perceptions and personality.

“The environment you live in — what you see and what you hear — help shape your personality and how you perceive things,” junior soccer player Hannah Neece said.

Junior football player Dwayne Eugene described GeNext’s ability to provide a safe space for candid discussions among peers.

“I encourage other [student-athletes] to attend GeNext,” Eugene said. “This organization provides a different perspective and outlook on things we aren’t always candid about. We also discuss general topics such as what we listen to, what we see and how that affects our personality and feelings each day.”

GeNext will resume programming on Monday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. This student-organization is open to all first-generation student-athletes.