Erin McCann

As universities evolve to meet the needs of increasingly diverse and time-constrained students, leaders in Student Affairs play a pivotal role in ensuring institutions adapt effectively. Erin McCann, Vice President for Student Development and Community Engagement at New Jersey City University (NJCU), exemplifies this leadership by focusing on basic needs, social engagement, and community partnerships.

In today’s conversation, Erin sat down with Co-Host of The Interview Jack Eagle to share insights from her career in Higher Education (HE), her efforts to support students from underserved communities, and her strategies to support and engage students holistically.

Erin’s Journey

Jack: Let’s kick off with a brief introduction to yourself and your institution.

Absolutely. I’m Erin McCann, Vice President for Student Development and Community Engagement at NJCU. I’ve spent about 24 years in HE, most of it in Student Affairs, though I like to say 20 to keep the illusion of being closer to students’ ages! I began this role in late July but previously worked at NJCU from 2011 to 2018. I left to advance my career but was thrilled to return when this position opened. Sometimes you have to “move out to move up.”

NJCU is located in Jersey City, one of the most rapidly growing cities in the US, often referred to as Manhattan’s neighbor. The campus itself is stunning – well-maintained with water features, trees, and walkways that create a strong sense of community amidst an urban environment. It’s a public, four-year institution with around 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students, reflecting a highly diverse and urban population.

Jack: What inspired you to pursue a career in the world of Student Affairs?

After graduating from college in New Hampshire, I returned to Jersey City and took a job as an HR assistant at Hudson County Community College. About a year and a half into the role, the Dean of Students – who became a lifelong mentor – suggested I transition into Student Activities. I hadn’t been out of college long, so I understood the student experience and decided to give it a shot. That move changed my career trajectory. I transitioned from HR to Assistant Director of Student Activities and eventually moved up through various institutions, gaining broader responsibilities along the way.

Jack: You’ve mentioned how your HR background influenced your approach to Student Affairs. How does that perspective shape your work today, particularly around supporting students outside the classroom?

HR gave me invaluable skills – problem-solving, conflict resolution, and a deep understanding of institutional structures – that translate well to Student Affairs. At NJCU, I focus heavily on ensuring students’ basic needs are met. Around 60% of our students qualify for full Pell Grants, and many face food or housing insecurity. We also have a significant population of adult learners balancing full-time jobs or parenting responsibilities.

Simultaneously, we’re rebuilding social engagement, which was disrupted by COVID-19. Students lost opportunities to develop soft skills like small talk, interviewing, and simply socializing. While basic needs may seem separate from social engagement, they’re deeply interconnected. Students need peers to tether them to campus life, which in turn helps them thrive academically and personally.

Jack: What resources or initiatives have you implemented to address the challenge students face beyond the classroom?

For basic needs, we lean heavily on community partnerships. Our campus food pantry, supported by the Community Food Bank, is thriving, and we run a clothing closet with donations from retailers, offering brand-new clothing for everything from interviews to everyday wear.

Recently, our President assigned part of the university foundation to my division to explore corporate partnerships. These partnerships aim to provide more than just scholarships – they connect students with career opportunities, mentorship, and resources that enhance their education and future employability.

For social engagement, it’s about creating spaces where students feel comfortable. We emphasize “high-touch” interactions: attending club meetings, hosting informal chats, and being present across campus. It’s a back-to-basics approach – meeting students where they are and building genuine connections.

Jack: Engaging a wide range of students can be a challenge, particularly when addressing non-traditional or underserved groups. How do you extend your reach?

It’s about visibility and approachability. I make it a point to leave my office and interact with students – whether it’s in the cafeteria, at club meetings, or during casual lunches. Beyond the usual open forums, I seek out smaller, niche groups, like the knitting club, to reach students who might not attend larger events or participate in student government.

We also leverage Jersey City’s extensive community resources, which is a major advantage. For example, we collaborate with local organizations to provide on-campus services, and our partnerships extend to online resources for greater accessibility.

Jack: With students becoming increasingly time-constrained, how does NJCU support those juggling multiple responsibilities outside of their studies?

One standout resource is our accredited Children’s Learning Center, which offers affordable childcare for students and staff. It’s an incredible asset, especially for our adult learners, and is often a deciding factor for enrollment. Subsidized rates and grant funding ensure that this essential service remains accessible.

Jack: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?

Early in my career, my mentor told me, “It’s okay to be human.” That advice has stuck with me. In Student Affairs, you often encounter students on the worst days of their lives. It’s important to acknowledge your own humanity – bad days are inevitable, but they don’t define your career. By giving yourself grace, you can reset and approach challenges with renewed energy.