The Sociology Opportunities for Undergraduate Leadership (SOUL) program supports U-M Sociology first-generation college students, who have historically made up over a third of our majors. By focusing on leadership qualities like ingenuity, conscientiousness, curiosity, and risk-taking, SOUL equips these students with resources to thrive during their time at U-M and beyond.
Exciting developments are on the horizon for the SOUL program, as its co-founder Matthew Sullivan steps into his new role as the inaugural Senior Academic Director of LSA First-Generation Cohort Programs. A first-generation, non-traditional college graduate himself, Dr. Sullivan earned his PhD in Sociology in 2018. He combines his passion for supporting first-generation students with the commitment to enhance not only their academic and career achievements but also their personal well-being at an elite institution. His research explores how the relationships between first-generation students and their families transform as they attend elite universities. Dr. Sullivan’s work with the SOUL program earned him the 2023 Individual Award for Outstanding Contributions to Undergraduate Education.
Dr. Sullivan’s new position reflects a strategic expansion within LSA to offer more support for first-generation and limited-income students. This merging of already existing LSA initiatives for first-gen students will effectively widen its impact and reach. SOUL will continue its impactful work while also scaling up and working alongside other first-generation programs like the Kessler Scholars Program.
This Giving Blueday, you can invest in the potential and success of first-generation students by contributing to the SOUL fund. Your gift not only strengthens the SOUL program but also directly supports the first-generation students on campus. Every donation, no matter the size, will champion first-generation students and future leaders. Together, we can make a difference!
