Marlene Villa is the Program Coordinator for First-Generation Student Success and the FLI Vanderploeg Scholars Program. She has been in this role and at MSU since September 2022. Marlene was born and raised in Chicago, IL and is a first-generation, Latina graduate who is passionate about supporting with first-generation students. Marlene loves coffee, traveling, and spending time with her cat, Pumpkin.
Working with students one-on-one to elevate their college experience.
As of recently, my favorite spot is the Multicultural Center because of all the light that comes in and it feels very welcoming.
Be courageous! Don't be afraid to ask for help because most of them time, people want to help you and see you succeed.
I graduated from John Carroll University in Cleveland, OH and I studied abroad in Italy during my third year. This experience really changed my outlook in taking risks and challenging myself to leave my comfort zone. I always encourage my students to do things that may seem hard and strange to them but in the end can be very rewarding.
