Dr. Elizabeth S. Bambacus, PhD, NCC, serves as the director of first-generation student experience at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she leads the You First at VCU First-Generation Student Success and Research Center. Dr. Bambacus focuses on creating holistic support systems, mentorship networks, and programming to empower first-generation college students through their academic journey. Dr. Bambacus has more than 15 years experience in higher education roles, with more than 10 of which have been focused on the first-generation college student population.