Garrett Nagaishi, M.A.

Garrett Nagaishi serves as director of network operations with FirstGen Forward. Garrett’s career in higher education began at Utah Valley University where he was brought on to build I Am First, the institution's first initiative to support and engage first-generation college students. After three years, this initiative had grown into a program that engaged over 2,000 first-generation students annually, and led to UVU being designated a First-gen Forward institution. Since joining FirstGen Forward in 2020, Garrett has developed the framework that has become the FirstGen Forward Network. His experience as both an Expert Guide and a member of the Operations team has given him insight into how FGF can better serve its institutions and those wishing to join the growing Network.

Garrett has a BA in history, and received a Fulbright Scholarship to complete an MA in International Slavery Studies at the University of Liverpool.