Medgar Evers College, CUNY

Dr. Jesse F. Kane is a higher education leader with nearly three decades of experience in managing enrollment and developing leadership and strategic initiatives. At Medgar Evers College, CUNY, he drives initiatives to enhance student achievement, strengthen engagement and improve enrollment outcomes.

In an interview with Education Technology Insights, Dr. Kane shared his perspectives on collaborative leadership, student persistence and the evolving strategies institutions must adopt to support diverse student journeys.

Leading Student Success through Strategic Collaboration

I am the Senior Vice President for Student Success and Enrollment Management at Medgar Evers College, CUNY, where I have served for nearly five years. My higher education journey includes senior leadership roles at Dakota State University, Fort Valley State University and Bowie State University, shaping the perspective I bring to this work.

My leadership philosophy at Medgar Evers College centers on building strong partnerships with institutional stakeholders. Advancing student engagement and success requires collaboration across campus and with external partners, ensuring we move toward one shared goal, which is helping students earn their degrees and succeed in their chosen fields.

I work in close alignment with the Vice Presidents for Academic Affairs, Administration and Finance to ensure enrollment, student success, academic priorities and financial planning are fully integrated. This holistic approach links enrollment outcomes directly to institutional finances.

Creating Pathways from College to Career

I have seen a lot of effort go into student access over the years, and now the focus needs to shift toward persistence. Recognizing that students come from diverse backgrounds with different goals, I focus on understanding their interests, expectations and needs.

At Medgar Evers College, we have expanded opportunities for students to apply learning practically. For us, it’s not just about students obtaining a degree but ensuring they gain the skills to be workforce-ready. Mentorships with industry partners, internships and apprenticeships are now essential parts of their experience. By connecting students early with the industry, we help make their transition from college into the workforce seamless.

Transforming Advising into Proactive Student Support

Advising is central to student success. We are shifting it from reactive, transactional interactions to more coordinated, intentional support. I see it as a case-management approach, where outreach is proactive rather than waiting for students to seek help.

We work across campus support teams to ensure students don’t experience fragmented guidance. By connecting advising with tutoring, social support systems and other resources, we create a holistic network around each student. This joint action expands advising beyond course selection to support students across multiple dimensions.

Strengthening the First-Year Foundation

We have placed a strong focus on our first-year students to support them throughout their transition into college. Our first-year experience program ensures students receive the guidance and resources they need to start college successfully.

One of our most exciting initiatives is the summer jumpstart program, which has cleared preliminary budget approval. Many students struggle with freshmanlevel Math and English. The research from Complete College America shows that completing these courses within the first 30 credits is critical for graduation.

To address this, the summer jumpstart program allows students, at no cost, to earn six credits in Math and English with specialized faculty support. Completing these gateway courses before the fall semester reduces their course load from 15 credits to 12, helping them overcome academic hurdles early.

Advice for Higher Education Leaders

My advice to higher education leaders is to remain passionate in their work. Students need us now more than ever, and our role is to support all learners, from traditional students to adult learners and stop-outs.

The work we do is woven into the student experience, shaping environments where all students feel a sense of belonging and are supported through inclusive campus practices. Recognizing this impact helps more students reach the finish line successfully.