Dr. Yolanda Norman

FirstGenCollege Consulting

Each of the colleges, universities, organizations, families, and students we work with are unique. As a result, our company is grounded in a client-first approach. To help each client meet their goals, we deliver custom solutions, tailored to you--your needs, your culture, and your success.

College and career leadership success

we believe in a unique and customized consulting experience for each and every client.

Our team offers a range of college and career consulting services, all designed to help students and professionals reach success. Utilizing data-driven strategies, focusing on the specific needs of our clients, and engaging research-based best practices are front and center in our clients' growth and development. 

As a low-income first-generation college student, Dr. Norman often questioned her journey for a college education and daily fought the negative thoughts telling her she didn't belong. After more than 2 decades of working in higher education and taking her college student development knowledge to the seventh largest school district in the nation leading college readiness efforts, Dr. Norman now spends her time inspiring young people to pursue a higher education, works with organizations nationally to help students aspire to & persist towards college graduation, and engages with clients to build their strongest leadership potential.

Known in the digital world as "@FirstGenCollege", Dr. Norman shares her experience of being a first-generation college student-athlete and gives clients insight into her story of resilience and determination.

"I created FirstGenCollege Consulting because first-generation college students are not persisting and graduating at the same rate as their multi-generational peers. Something has to change and we are determined to help others understand and focus on changing this inequality in college achievement." - Dr. Norman

Speaking at colleges and universities across the country, Dr. Norman works with faculty, staff, families, and students to unpack the first-generation college student identity, develop career development tools and programs, enhance student development strategic planning, and bring in research-based critical support every student needs to persist and become college graduates. Dr. Norman believes that when the most vulnerable student populations are thriving, the entire campus benefits. Whether working with students individually on the college prep process or working with educational teams to focus on student success, Dr. Norman's passion, knowledge, and experience undoubtedly shines through.

Dr. Norman holds a Doctorate of Education from the University of St. Thomas and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism, a Master of Science in Sports Management & Administration, and a Master of Education in Counseling & College Student Personnel from the University of Southern Mississippi.