July 9, 2025

Leadership Transition at FirstGen Forward:

Effective June 30, 2025, Maurice Jones has decided to step down as President & CEO of FirstGen Forward (FGF) to pursue his next challenges leading work in the community and economic development, education, policy and media arenas. 

"It’s been an honor and a privilege to work with the wonderful Board and great team at FGF, higher education philanthropic leaders, business partners, and others to support first-generation students in their efforts to thrive in college and beyond,” said Jones, reflecting on his time as the inaugural leader of FGF. “Given that over 54% of undergraduates identify as first-generation, the work of FirstGen Forward and its partners is vitally important to families, colleges, and communities throughout this nation.  When first-generation students succeed, the country succeeds."

Dr. Kevin Kruger, current chair of the FirstGen Forward Board of Directors, will step down from his role as board chair and serve as interim CEO until a permanent successor is hired. Kruger, in his previous role as president and CEO of NASPA–Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, created the Center for First Generation Student Success in partnership in 2017 with The Suder Foundation. He brings a long-term commitment to supporting colleges in their efforts to support first generation student success.

"On behalf of the FirstGen Forward Board of Directors, we thank Maurice for his commitment to serving first-generation students in colleges across America,” said Kruger. “Maurice is a strong advocate for the importance of first-generation student success and has helped establish FGF as a nonprofit enterprise with ambitious goals for the future.  We wish Maurice all the best as he pursues his next challenges and opportunities.”

###

CONTACT:
Senior Director of External Relations & Policy
media@firstgenforward.org