Creighton First
Resources and support for first-generation students
Creighton defines a first-generation student as a student whose parents or guardians did not obtain a four-year degree from a college or university.
Creighton First programs provide guidance for life as a college student and a close community of peers for support as you navigate the college world.
At Summer Preview you'll get to know other students embarking on the college journey. Through Creighton First Communities you'll have a core group of peers throughout your experience. And throughout the year, look for Creighton First workshops, networking events, celebrations, and more.
Creighton First Community Program
Creighton First Communities are groups of 3-5 first-generation students. You'll be connected with your community as soon as you arrive! Each community will consist of a Community Advisor, a current Creighton student who is also first-generation. If you're interested in participating, please fill out this survey.
First-Generation Resources
Offices around Creighton's campus are available to support you throughout your college experience. Whether you're seeking from academics to involvement to managing finances, check out the resources below.
Academic Resources
- The Creighton EDGE is a one-stop-shop for academic coaching, tutoring, career advice, and pre-professional advising.
- The Dean’s Office of your college is a great place to seek out additional academic resources. Don’t be afraid to approach faculty with any questions you may have.
(Arts & Sciences | Business | Nursing)
Engagement Resources
- The Creighton Comprehensive Student Record (CCSR) is a co-curricular transcript that depicts a student’s holistic experience at Creighton. While academic transcripts tell the student’s academic story, the CCSR will provide additional information about a student’s entire experience and skills obtained while at Creighton
- The Student Leadership and Involvement Center (SLIC) houses the Creighton Student’s Union, 250+ clubs and organizations, fraternity and sorority life, new student orientation, and more.
- The Creighton Intercultural Center supports students through advocacy, leadership development, academic support, activities and mentorship.
- The Department of Residential Life provides engaging activities, new connections, and opportunities for personal growth. Connect with your RD or RA to learn about what’s happening in your hall.
Financial Resources
- The Student Employment Office connects students to employment opportunities on campus. Visit to learn more about where you can find a job.
- The Office of Financial Aid coordinates aid opportunities for all of Creighton’s four undergraduate and five graduate/professional schools/colleges.
- The US Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid resources explain the various types of aid and give tips for repaying your loans. Here, you can create an account to track your borrowing.
- The FAFSA is how you qualify for federal financial aid, so be sure to fill it out each year. Examples of federal aid include Pell Grants, Federal Direct and Federal Indirect Loans, and Federal Work-Study.
Wellness Resources
- The Department of Recreation and Wellness encourages holistic wellness and provides quality facilities, sports and fitness opportunities, and wellness programming.
- The Student Health Education and Compliance Office provides health education and wellness resources to students, with the mission of enhancing well-being and academic success.
- Student Counseling Services compassionately addresses student concerns and provides valuable self-care tools. Most counseling services are provided free of charge to full-time students.
- The Violence Intervention and Prevention Center (VIP Center) provides confidential advocacy for individuals who have experienced sexual violence, discriminatory harassment, or discrimination.
First-Generation Faculty and Staff Spotlight
Creighton has a number of incredible faculty and staff on campus who are available to support your transition. To learn more about which Creighton faculty or staff are first-generation, check out the list below.
Anthony Calcagno
Resident Director
Undergraduate Field of Study: Psychology and Communications
Audel Salazar
Instructional Designer
Undergraduate Field of Study: History and Asian Studies
Becky Nickerson
Director, Creighton Intercultural Center
Undergraduate Field of Study: Social Work
Bianca Jinete Mejía
Institutional & Research Decision Specialist
Undergraduate Field of Study: International Relations, Research Design & Analysis
Binaya Joshi
Application Administrator, Division of Student Life
Undergraduate Field of Study: Computer Science and Mathematics
Brittany Planos
Assistant Director for Recruitment & Assessment, TRIO Student Support Services
Undergraduate Field of Study: Middle Grades Education
Carol Lomneth
Professor/Chair, Department of Medical Education
Undergraduate Field of Study: Biology
Cedora Barnett
Assistant Director for Retention and Identity Development
Undergraduate Field of Study: Native American Studies and History
Desiree Nownes
Senior Director, Office of Community Standards and Wellbeing
Undergraduate Field of Study: Criminal Justice and Sociology
Christine Young, MSN, RN, CNL
Assistant Professor, College of Nursing
Undergraduate Field of Study: Nursing
Don Lux
Assistant Professor of Practice
Undergraduate Field of Study: Accounting and MIS
Janique Hayes
Administrative Coordinator, Office of Institutional Diversity & Inclusion and Division of Mission & Ministry
Undergraduate Field of Study: Community Health Education
Jennifer Peter
Director, Student Counseling Services
Undergraduate Field of Study: Psychology
Jim Zboja
Associate Professor of Marketing
Undergraduate Field of Study: Marketing/Business Administration, Psychology
Joel Destino
Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Undergraduate Field of Study: Chemistry and History
Krystal Rice
Director, TRIO Student Support Services
Undergraduate Field of Study: Journalism and Mass Communication
Linda Dunn
Assistant Director for Pre-Health Advising
Undergraduate Field of Study: English
Lucas Novotny
Senior Director, Housing & Auxiliary Services
Undergraduate Field of Study: Business Administration
Mary Ann Tietjen
Associate Director for Student Retention
Undergraduate Field of Study: Spanish, Journalism (Graduate: Education)
Mary Chase
Vice Provost for Enrollment
Undergraduate Field of Study: Business Administration
Megan Mankerian-Stem
Director of International Enrollment
Undergraduate Field of Study: Marketing and International Development, South Asian Studies
Robby Francis
Director, Campus Ministry
Undergraduate Field of Study: Philosophy
Sabrina Danielsen
Assistant Professor in Sociology
Undergraduate Field of Study: Sociology and Anthropology
Stephanie Matthews
Research Supervisor, Pharmacology Department
Undergraduate Field of Study: Psychology and Zoology, African Studies
Tim Bastian
Economics Instructor
Undergraduate Field of Study: Computer Science and Quantitative Business Analysis
Tracy Neal Leavelle
Director, Kingfisher Institute for Liberal Arts and Professions
Undergraduate Field of Study: Anthropology and Native American Studies
Zachary Smith
Associate Professor of Theology
Undergraduate Field of Study: Philosophy
TRiO SSS
TRiO Student Support Services supports first-generation and income-eligible Creighton students with academic, financial, graduate school, career, and personal coaching to ensure students maintain good academic standing and graduate on-time. Learn more.
First-Gen Forward
The Center for First-Generation Student Success, an initiative of NASPA and The Suder Foundation, recently announced the inclusion of Creighton. Learn more.
