A first-generation college student, Nekesha’s path to Marshall began at a community college before transferring to pursue her bachelor’s degree in psychology. Now, with an associate degree in American Sign Language, a completed bachelor’s, and currently working toward a Master of Social Work (MSW), her journey reflects determination at every stage. But the transition to a university environment wasn’t easy.
“Transitioning from a community college to a university was difficult as a first-gen student,” she said.
Without a built-in support systems and suddenly finding herself in large lecture halls with hundreds of students, Nekesha had to navigate unfamiliar territory on her own. That began to change with a single email.
After reaching out about the barriers she was facing, she was invited to meet with Dr. Marcie Simms, vice president of the Division of Student Affairs, a moment that would have a lasting impact on her experience.
“Dr. Simms not only connected me with resources, but she also followed up with me,” Nekesha said. “She encouraged me to apply to graduate school and continue my education.”
That encouragement helped shape the path she’s on today. Now in graduate school, Nekesha even finds herself drawing inspiration from Dr. Simms’ work, recently reading her dissertation on formerly incarcerated women in Appalachia as part of her own academic focus on mass incarceration.
Moments like that highlight the importance of connection, but for Nekesha, support at Marshall has extended far beyond the classroom.
One of the most impactful opportunities came through her work-study position in the ACE (Access, Connections and Engagement) Center, where she found a sense of belonging among students and staff with shared experiences.
“Being able to build a community with people who come from similar backgrounds made a huge difference,” she said. Still, her journey has required resilience in ways many students never have to consider.
As a student and a parent, Nekesha has had to balance responsibilities that don’t pause for academic schedules. During her undergraduate experience, she faced a moment that could have easily derailed her progress.
When her son’s preschool unexpectedly closed due to illness, she was still expected to attend class. With no childcare options and limited time, she brought her son to campus unsure of what she would do next.
“I had 15 minutes to find someone to sit with him before I went to an hour-long lecture,” she said.
In that moment of urgency, she walked into the Wellness Center and explained her situation. There, she met Kaye Godbey, former coordinator of the Wellness Center, who stepped in without hesitation.
“She told me she would sit with him,” Nekesha said. Because of that act of kindness, and her own determination not to give up, Nekesha stayed in class and ultimately earned an “A.”
“I’m grateful I didn’t give up,” she said.
Throughout her time at Marshall, a network of faculty and staff have helped guide and support her journey, from connecting her with resources to encouraging her goals and even welcoming her son into their spaces.
“Whenever I bring him to campus, his first stop is Shaunte Polk’s office,” she shared. “She always makes him feel welcome.” That sense of care and connection has helped transform Marshall into something more than just a university.
For Nekesha, it became home during a deeply meaningful moment: the Donning of the Kente Ceremony, when her family traveled to watch her be recognized.
“That’s when it felt like home,” she said.
Now, as she continues her graduate studies and looks ahead to completing her Master of Social Work, Nekesha is entering what she calls the next chapter of her journey: the home stretch.
With just a few semesters remaining, she is focused on finishing strong while also navigating the uncertainty that comes with what’s next.
Her advice to other students reflects the lessons she’s learned along the way.
“Get acquainted with what offices are in which building,” she said. “Then build your support group from there.”
Because for Nekesha, success hasn’t been about doing it alone, it’s been about finding community, accepting support, and continuing forward even in the face of challenges.
Her journey is best captured in the words of Maya Angelou:
“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated… so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.”
And Nekesha Cabbell is still rising.
