Emily First, M.Ed.

Biography

Emily First serves as the Director of the Center for Student Support and Care. In this role, she oversees the work of the Care and Wellness Consultants and Sara Bea Accessibility Services, and helps to ensure all students have equal access to resources and necessary accommodations at Notre Dame.

First has extensive experience in student care, case management, and crisis response. Prior to Notre Dame, she served as the Associate Dean of Students at Grand Valley State University where she led the University CARE Team and collaborated with others throughout campus to ensure students had timely access to coordinated support. At Baylor University, First served as a Case Manager for Student Care and Outreach and as a Residence Hall Director. Additionally, her work is grounded in building systems of care that honor the dignity and holistic well-being of all students.

First serves as a faculty member on the Higher Education Case Managers Association (HECMA), where she develops and leads the Case Management Foundations course to further work related to student care on college campuses nationwide. In 2023, she received the HECMA Leadership Award. First earned her master’s degree in educational psychology from Baylor University and her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Taylor University.