Roy Jones, Ed.D., executive director of Clemson University’s “Call Me MiSTER” program, delivered a powerful keynote address at Alabama State University’s First-Generation Mini-Conference, inspiring students to embrace their stories and harness the power of education.
Held at the John Garrick Hardy Center Ballroom on Nov. 6, the event brought together students, faculty, and community members to celebrate and support first-generation college students, highlighting their resilience and potential.
Jones, a first-generation college graduate, shared personal anecdotes from his upbringing in Springfield, Massachusetts, and the transformative journey that led him to higher education. He described his unexpected path to UMass Amherst, where he was admitted alongside 120 other Black students in the late 1960s, a direct result of advocacy by Black professors who demanded change.
“I had no direction, but what I did have were educators who saw potential in me before I saw it in myself,” Jones said. “Sometimes you do not see who you are. It takes mentors and leaders to recognize your vision before you realize it.”
In a speech filled with historical context, Jones reminded students of the legacy they inherited, particularly at ASU, a university with deep roots in the Civil Rights Movement.
He spoke about the significance of Montgomery as a place “where history is made,” and urged the audience to remember their connection to a lineage of individuals who fought for change. He drew parallels between the perseverance required during the Civil Rights era and the determination needed today. “You cannot stay in a space of feeling defeated,” he said. “You have a history in this country as builders of this nation, and now it is your turn to push forward.”
Jones highlighted the crucial role of storytelling in shaping the future, encouraging students to embrace their narratives, regardless of their backgrounds. He spoke of the “Call Me MiSTER” program’s success in empowering young Black men to become educators by helping them understand and share their journeys. “The power of our program lies in the power of story,” he said. “Your story, no matter what it is, can inspire someone who needs to hear it. It is about drawing out your potential and making sense of your experiences.”
The keynote address also touched on the historical struggle for educational integration, with Jones recalling the pivotal role played by unsung heroes in cases like Briggs v. Elliott, which laid the groundwork for Brown v. Board of Education. He emphasized the importance of knowing this history, remarking, “The reason you are able to have integrated classrooms today is because of the courage of everyday people who stood up against injustice. If you do not know your history, you cannot appreciate the opportunities before you.”
Throughout his speech, Jones emphasized the need for resilience and optimism, particularly in challenging times. “Adversity is not foreign to us,” he said. “This too shall pass, but your job today is not to be disheartened. It is to ask yourself what you can do right now to make yourself better, because when you uplift yourself, you uplift your entire community.”
Jones further reflected on the unique environment of Alabama State University, contrasting it with his experience at Clemson. “Clemson does not have what you have here for Black students,” he noted. “This is a place of empowerment, where you can be reminded every single day that history is made here. You are the pupil of the eye and the visionaries of this country. Do not forget your place and your power.”
Jones expressed his desire to see Alabama State University join the “Call Me MiSTER” program as a host institution, providing a pipeline for first-generation students to become educators. “You are the next generation of visionaries coming out of ASU, and if I have anything to do with it, we will make that happen,” he said. “My hope today was to enrich your presence as much as you have enriched mine.”
Regarding his journey as a first-generation college student, Jones candidly discussed the obstacles he faced when stepping into an unfamiliar academic world. “Probably the first challenge was confidence,” he explained, recalling his initial struggles at the University of Massachusetts. “I had to build up the belief that I actually belonged there, that I had earned the right to be on campus just as much as anyone else. It wasn’t easy. I had to navigate a culture I wasn’t accustomed to, a system that felt foreign and intimidating at first.”
He elaborated on the complex layers of this experience, describing how the lack of prior exposure to higher education left him feeling isolated and unsure of how to proceed. “There is an entire framework and language that universities operate within, and if you aren’t familiar with it, it can feel like everyone else knows something you don’t,” he added. “From understanding how to access resources and talk to professors, to simply finding where I fit in socially, I had to learn it all on the fly, and that can be overwhelming when you’re doing it alone.”
Drawing from these experiences, Jones offered heartfelt advice to current first-generation students on how to build their confidence and foster resilience. “The first step is to surround yourself with people who believe in you,” he said. “You need that reinforcement, especially when you’re feeling unsure or out of place. Seek out mentors, professors, and peers who can support you and remind you of your potential, even when you might doubt it yourself.”
He emphasized the importance of self-reflection and self-awareness as keys to building a strong sense of identity and purpose. “It’s about understanding who you are beyond just your name,” Jones continued. “Ask yourself what drives you, what fuels your passion, and what makes you feel fulfilled. It is important to know what makes you happy and what brings you down because this self-awareness is what will guide your choices and help you stay grounded, even in tough times.”
Jones encouraged students to actively engage with their college environment, viewing it as an opportunity for personal growth and discovery. “You cannot just be a passive observer in your education,” he said. “You need to get involved, find ways to connect and make the system work for you. Whether it’s joining a club, participating in events, or simply reaching out for help when you need it, these small acts of engagement build a sense of community and belonging. They help you realize that you are not just a visitor here, you are a part of this campus, and your voice matters.”
Dr. Cynthia Steele, a first-generation college student and Director of Advancement Studies at Alabama State University, shared her experience of overcoming financial obstacles as she pursued her education. “My parents lived paycheck to paycheck, and when I came here, I lacked the funds that I needed and the resources,” Steele said. She credited her mentors and professors for stepping in when she needed it most. “Thank God for mentors, professors, and staff who welcomed me with open arms. They provided me with avenues to grow, access to resources like work-study in the same department where I did my work.”
Steele expressed her hopes for the impact of the conference on current students. “I hope that they realize they have someone here that will support them on their journey,” she said. “They do not have to move in silence. They have a support center and a community that helps them not only survive, but thrive, both professionally and personally. I hope they leave with a desire to give back to the university that gave them an opportunity.”
Michael Westmoreland, an Assistant Professor of Music at Alabama State University, shared his personal experiences as a first-generation college student and the inspiration behind his session titled “Continuing Education: Your Education Does Not End With Your First Degree!”
Westmoreland explained how his academic journey shaped the theme of the session. “When I thought about presenting at this conference, I wanted to reflect on my experience as a first-generation student,” he said. “I am the only one in my family to go beyond a bachelor’s degree. I have a master’s in music, a diploma in wind ensemble conducting from Canada, and a doctorate in piano performance. My journey in higher education showed me the importance of not stopping with just one degree.”
He spoke about the early challenges he faced, including needing speech therapy in school. “In public school, I had to take a year of speech therapy,” Westmoreland shared. “As the youngest of five siblings, they often spoke on my behalf, which made me insular and quiet. I had to push myself to become more outward and seek opportunities for personal and academic growth.”
Westmoreland offered advice to first-generation students, encouraging them to make full use of the resources available at ASU and to actively engage with their instructors and peers. “Go after what you want in terms of your education,” he advised. “Do not be afraid to fail. Be willing to pick yourself up and keep striving for success and excellence. Talk to your instructors and seek advice from older peers who have navigated similar paths.”
The theme of his session emphasized the importance of lifelong learning and the value of pursuing further education beyond a first degree. “I wanted students to understand that education is an ongoing process,” Westmoreland said. “Your learning does not stop after you earn your first degree. It is about continuously seeking knowledge and expanding your skills, no matter where you are in your career.”
Leroy Barrow, an alumnus of Alabama State University and now an educator at Ingram State Technical College, shared his experience as a first-generation college student and the support that helped him navigate the unfamiliar environment. “I was a first-generation student,” Barrow said. “One of the challenges that I faced personally was not having the knowledge as to how to migrate and maneuver through a college process. But when I got here, a lot of the people that I encountered, like the late Alma Freeman, Ed.D., was very good at helping me.”
Barrow offered straightforward advice to current first-generation students: “Make certain that you find out where the resources are. Make certain that you get around other people who have the same goals that you have in mind and try to follow along those patterns, what I call pathways, in order to find the means to success. It can be done. It’s not hard to do. All you got to do is ask the question, be willing to communicate and talk.”
Faith Blackwell, a senior at Alabama State University, spoke about her involvement in the First-Generation Mini-Conference and her own experience as a first-generation student. “I was involved in the conference through the Royal Court, representing the 85th Miss ASU,” Blackwell said. “I also performed as a vocalist with the jazz ensemble group, Treble, where we sang ‘Self-Talk’ and ‘God Be in My Head.’”
Reflecting on her journey, Blackwell highlighted the challenges she faced as the first in her family to attend college. “The biggest challenge for me was not having anyone in my family who could relate to the college experience,” she shared. “I have had to be my motivation, pushing myself forward even when I felt tired or discouraged. But I know I have an end goal, and that is to get my degree.”
Blackwell emphasized the importance of the conference in fostering a sense of community among first-generation students. “I think this conference allows students to see that they are not alone,” she said. “There are many others on campus who have faced similar struggles. Whether it is feeling unmotivated or dealing with the unknown, it is important to know that you are creating your legacy, and that is what truly matters.”
Blackwell also drew inspiration from the keynote address, echoing Dr. Roy Jones’ message of resilience. “He reminded us not to be discouraged by the results of a campaign or presidency,” she said. “Instead, he encouraged us to believe that we might be the next person to sit in that seat because as first-generation college students, we have the power to shape our futures.”
