Jesse Kane

Civic engagement plays a vital role in shaping the higher education experience, fostering not only academic growth but also empowering students to actively participate in their communities and address societal issues. This understanding is central to the mission of Medgar Evers College, and Dr. Jesse F. Kane, its Senior Vice President for Student Success and Enrollment Management.

In today’s conversation, Co-Host of The Interview Max Webber sat down with Jesse to discuss topics including his journey into student affairs, teaching students how to engage respectfully across differences, and the importance of peer-to-peer learning and mentoring. 

Jesse’s Journey

Max: Let’s start with a brief introduction to yourself and your institution.

My name is Jesse Kane, and I am currently serving as the Senior Vice President for Student Success and Enrollment Management at Medgar Evers College, which is part of the City University of New York (CUNY). Medgar Evers is located in central Brooklyn, and we are a predominantly Black institution. We focus on social justice, preparing students not only academically and professionally, but also engaging them civically in their communities. Originally, I’m from Baltimore, Maryland, and I live here in New York with my wife and daughter.

Max: What led you into the world of student affairs, and what has kept you passionate about the role throughout your career?

My career path has been a bit of a winding road. Believe it or not, I started as a pre-med major in college, but I was always deeply involved on campus – whether it was student organizations or even participating in protests. People were surprised to learn I was a biology major because of how active I was in student leadership. In my senior year, I became a Resident Assistant (RA), and that experience was eye-opening. My supervisor asked me if I had ever considered a career in student affairs. At the time, I had no idea what that was, but I learned it was possible to work on a college campus without teaching, which appealed to me. That’s what set me on this path. From there, I became a graduate assistant, then moved through various roles – entry-level, mid-level, Director, Dean, and now Vice President. I didn’t plan this career, but looking back, it’s clear to me that it’s my life’s work. My passion for working with college students has driven everything I do.

Max: You mentioned earlier that Medgar Evers College places a strong focus on social justice and civic engagement. How do you foster a positive, inclusive campus climate that supports all students?

That’s a great question. It’s really about meeting students where they are and connecting with the issues that are important to them. We’re living in a time where local, national, and even global issues converge on college campuses. Institutions need to be clear about the values that shape the learning experience. How do we promote stability and engage in discourse in a civil way? For us, it’s about creating both formal and informal spaces for students to interact around their differences. I always tell students, “Argue your points, but don’t argue with people.” In any diverse community, there will be disagreements, but it’s critical to teach students how to engage in disagreement respectfully, in a space where shared values are upheld. It’s about focusing on what connects us rather than what divides us. These “courageous conversations” are vital, but they should never be harmful.

Max: One challenge we hear often is how to engage students in civil discourse. How do you approach this challenge at Medgar Evers?

It’s a challenge, for sure, but I think it comes down to intentionality. Too often, we compartmentalize students’ experiences – classroom versus extracurricular, campus life versus their personal lives. Students don’t live that way; they experience it all as part of a whole. So we have to be very intentional in creating opportunities that bridge those experiences.

Engagement has been a key focus of my own research and professional passion. It’s about creating educational opportunities that are purposeful, helping students grow and stretch their thinking. We have to help them challenge their own values and knowledge formation. But it has to be done authentically and with their interests at the center. Students need to see themselves in these conversations and have people around them to help navigate difficult topics.

Max: Recent guests have discussed the importance of peer-to-peer learning and incorporating student voices. How are you leveraging student voice in your programming?

I’ve been a huge proponent of peer-to-peer learning since early in my career when I worked as a peer mentoring coordinator. There is tremendous value in students learning from one another, whether through mentoring programs or peer-led supplemental instruction. We know from research that there are positive outcomes when students lead discussions, whether it’s tutoring or leading conversations around difficult topics.

Students expect people like me to say certain things, but when they hear those same ideas from their peers, it resonates differently. This multi-faceted approach to student success – where students play an active role in teaching and supporting each other – helps create a richer learning environment.

Max: You’ve shared a lot about student engagement and how critical it is to success. What do you think are the most important factors to get right when trying to engage students?

The most important thing is to recognize that students are not a monolith. We have to be able to differentiate how we engage them, much like how we differentiate instruction in the classroom. Adult learners have different needs from first-time freshmen, and transfer students’ experiences differ from those of international students.

Engagement is about delivering services and opportunities in a variety of ways, reaching students where they are, and making sure they see value in it. The more engaged a student is, the more likely they are to succeed. It’s about helping them find meaningful connections that set them on a path to success, both academically and personally.

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

I’ve been fortunate to have great mentors who have poured into me over the years. One piece of advice that stands out is to always be led by your passion. For me, this work is more than just a job – it’s my life’s work. Opportunities come and go, but the key is to align yourself with work that truly drives you and connects with your deeper sense of purpose.