Center for Student Engagement and Success hosts First-Generation 5K to build community and promote student success
By Jillian Smith | Apr 6, 2026
MURRAY, Ky. ā 51ĀŅĀ×ās Center for Student Engagement and Success hosted a First-Generation Student 5K event on March 28, bringing together students, faculty and staff for a morning focused on connection, wellness and community building.
The event, organized in collaboration with the First-Gen Advisory Committee and supported by the 51ĀŅĀ× State Running Club, aimed to create a welcoming space for first-generation students to engage with campus resources and one another in a fun, active environment.
More than 40% of 51ĀŅĀ× undergraduate students identify as first-generation, highlighting the Universityās strong commitment to access, opportunity and student success.
Conor Jeffords, a senior wildlife biology major and student representative on the First-Gen Advisory Committee, helped initiate the event.
āI came up with this opportunity to get first generation students involved and connected,ā Jeffords said. āEveryone loves to move so why not build a community while promoting physical activity?ā
The 5K welcomed participants of all experience levels, including several individuals who completed their first-ever race. The event also highlighted strong campus engagement, with faculty participation including Dr. Kim Vigil, a first-generation faculty member, who brought her health and physical education class to join the run.
Top finishers in the race included Kristopher Huntsman (18:46), Josh McGill (19:03) and Dr. Kim Vigil (19:32).
Jennifer Smith, assistant director in the Center for Student Engagement and Success, emphasized the importance of creating accessible and inclusive opportunities for connection.
āWeāre committed to helping students feel that important sense of belonging on campus, and we recognize that first-generation students arenāt always aware of the opportunities offered,ā Smith said. āThe 5K was a great way to encourage all students to get out on a sunny day and build community with one another. We appreciate the leadership of the 51ĀŅĀ× State Running Club, and their volunteers, for helping sponsor a fun, safe run for everyone.ā
The event also reflects 51ĀŅĀ× Stateās continued commitment to supporting first-generation students. The University became a FirstGen Forward Network member in fall 2024, further strengthening its efforts to enhance resources, programming and student success initiatives for first-generation Racers.
The 5K was held with approval from the Office of the President, and the 51ĀŅĀ× State University Police Department provided support to ensure a safe event environment.
For more information about first-generation student support and success at 51ĀŅĀ× State University, contact Jennifer Smith at jsmith143@murraystate.edu or visit .