From ‘the holler’ to higher ed: James Russell’s first-gen journey

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 12, 2024) — There’s no denying, where we’re from shapes who we are — providing experiences and perspectives that influence how we see the world and how the world sees us.

But as we grow, we have the power to question, adapt and expand.

Growing up in Johnson County, Kentucky, James Russell’s ambitions certainly stretched far beyond the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains. 

“It’s a rural and impoverished area,” he said. “Some might call it, a ‘holler.’”

As a young boy, then a teenager, Russell embraced the “holler” as his home — holding a deep sense of connection and pride for the area and its people. However, the challenges he faced, including economic disparities and limited access to resources, also had a profound impact.

During his senior year in high school, Russell became passionate about pursuing a college degree. He began searching for a place to continue his education — an institution that would foster success. He was aware of the University of Kentucky and its mission to serve the Commonwealth.

Though it was only 110 miles down the road, Russell often wondered, was attending UK out of reach?

“I knew that I wanted to go to college. But as a first-generation student, I didn’t think I would get the opportunity,” he continued. “I never wanted to put the burden of paying for college on my parents. That’s just something I didn’t want to do, so I always had to push myself.”

Turning a dream into reality can take years of preparation. Russell put in the work — earning the grades, graduating from high school and ultimately, becoming a Wildcat in the fall of 2021.

“And I wouldn’t have gotten that opportunity if it wasn’t for the people who invested in me through a scholarship,” he said.

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Last fall, UK celebrated the achievement of the $2.1 billion goal for Kentucky Can: The 21st Century Campaign — the largest fundraising campaign in the Commonwealth’s history. 

Kentucky Can focused on raising support for education, research, service and care. And one of the campaign’s most significant impacts has been increasing student access to higher education.

More than 53,500 donors contributed to student support as part of Kentucky Can — giving more than $495 million to support students with financial needs.   

UK also launched UK LEADS, a nationally-recognized program, to reduce unmet financial need by using data-informed analytics. In total, more than $24.5 million has been raised by donors to support the LEADS program, with more than 1,500 LEADS scholarships awarded to students.  

The impact is especially strong for first-generation college students (the first in their families to attend and graduate college), who account for around 25% of all UK students. More than $26.9 million in donor funds were awarded to first-generation students, like Russell, during the entirety of the campaign.  

“The scholarship I received means hope — hope for a better future,” he said. “Without that scholarship, I would never have been able to pursue my passions.”

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Throughout his time as a student in the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering, Russell, who is also a Pigman Scholar, has held onto confidence and persistence — hoping his education will one day allow him to return to Eastern Kentucky.

Currently pursuing a degree in electrical and computer engineering, Russell is interested in a career digitally mapping coal mines.

“Coal mining was an industry people around me were always in. Many of my neighbors were coal miners,” he shared. “I want to honor that history, while bringing in new technology and perspectives.”

A new perspective — that’s what Russell says he’s gained from UK.

Balancing academics and expectations, he embodies the grace and grit many first-generation students share.

“As the first person to go to college in my family, it means so much to me,” he said. “It will allow me to, one day, support my family.”

Looking ahead, Russell envisions creating outreach programs and partnerships with local schools to provide technological education and mentorship. His goal is to equip the next generation with skills that will open doors to new career paths and industries — contributing to the economic and social revitalization of Appalachia.

Ultimately, for Russell, success is not just about personal achievement; it’s about lifting others as he rises. And he wants other first-generation students to understand, where you’re from serves as a foundation, but it doesn’t have to be a boundary.

“The opportunities I’ve been given have sparked an interest in giving back. I’d love to help those in Eastern Kentucky flourish, even if that means helping kids learn to program,” he said. “I just want to do as much as I can to help people from Eastern Kentucky have the most opportunities possible.”

UK’s CARES First-Generation Student Services, housed in the Office for Student Success, is celebrating First-Generation Week Nov. 11-15. Learn more about programming and resources here.