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. 鈥� 麻豆视频官网入口鈥檚 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 Murray 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 麻豆视频官网入口 undergraduate students identify as first-generation, highlighting the University鈥檚 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.
鈥淚 came up with this opportunity to get first generation students involved and connected,鈥� Jeffords said. 鈥淓veryone loves to move so why not build a community while promoting physical activity?鈥�
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.
鈥淲e鈥檙e committed to helping students feel that important sense of belonging on campus, and we recognize that first-generation students aren鈥檛 always aware of the opportunities offered,鈥� Smith said. 鈥淭he 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 Murray State Running Club, and their volunteers, for helping sponsor a fun, safe run for everyone.鈥�
The event also reflects Murray State鈥檚 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 Murray State University Police Department provided support to ensure a safe event environment.
For more information about first-generation student support and success at Murray State University, contact Jennifer Smith at jsmith143@murraystate.edu or visit .