Renowned author to deliver Carolina Covenant anniversary lecture
Anthony Abraham Jack will discuss how University individuals can make a difference in helping low-income students thrive.
As part of Carolina Covenant’s 20th anniversary, acclaimed sociologist and author Anthony Abraham Jack will deliver a keynote lecture about the experiences, strengths and potential of low-income students at elite universities. The lecture will take place from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26, at the Frank Porter Graham Student Union. Attendees will enjoy light refreshments and a mixer from 5-6 p.m., with Jack’s lecture beginning at 6 p.m.
Jack is the inaugural faculty director of the Boston University Newbury Center, which is focused on first generation college student success, and an associate professor of higher education leadership. While at Harvard University, he authored “The Privileged Poor,” which explored how the struggles of less privileged students attending elite institutions continue after they arrive on campus. Drawing on interviews with college undergraduates, Jack documents how university policies and cultures can intensify preexisting inequalities and how backgrounds can affect their chances of success.
In a The New York Times Magazine story, Jack notes that “college administrations must make a sustained effort to understand the stress and isolation that can define everyday college life for these more vulnerable students.”
“We hope event attendees will meet individuals interested in supporting the success of low-income and first-generation college students,” said Candice Powell, director of the Carolina Covenant. “We look forward to hearing Jack’s scholarship and insight into how we can make a difference here at Carolina.”
Interested members of the campus community should RSVP for the event. The program will continue the 20th anniversary celebration with a homecoming brunch at the Carolina Inn on Oct. 5 for current Scholars, alumni and friends of the Covenant.
Established in 2004, the Carolina Covenant provides a debt-free path to graduation for admitted students from families with an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines and additional financial criteria. The program also offers academic, career and well-being support to help Scholars thrive at Carolina and beyond.
The Carolina Covenant has been considered a national model for low-income student success and has been replicated by dozens of colleges and universities. Since 2019, Carolina has also been recognized as a First-gen Forward institution by the Center for First-generation Student Success.
