Jessica Eads

Building a thriving and inclusive campus community doesn’t just happen by accident; it requires intentionality, collaboration, and a deep understanding of student needs. These principles lie at the heart of Jessica Eads’ work as Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. With nearly three decades at the university, Jessica brings a wealth of experience and passion for fostering student success.

In today’s conversation, Jessica sat down with Jack Eagle, Co-Host of The Interview, to discuss her career journey, Hofstra’s innovative approaches to creating a sense of belonging, and the importance of holistic mental health in supporting student success.

Jessica's Journey

Jack: Can we start with a quick introduction to yourself and your institution?

Certainly! My name is Jessica Eads, and I’ve been at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, for quite some time – since 1997. I began my career here as a researcher in one of our smaller liberal arts colleges, then transitioned into admissions, where I’ve held several roles, including Director of Operations and Admissions, Dean of Admissions, and Vice President for Enrollment. About three years ago, I took on the additional responsibility of overseeing Student Affairs.

Hofstra is a medium-sized private institution with around 6,000 undergraduates and 2,500 graduate students. We’re located on Long Island, close to New York City, which gives our students fantastic opportunities for internships during the academic year. At the same time, we’re a suburban campus with beautiful green quads and a community-focused atmosphere. It’s truly the best of both worlds.

Jack: What is it about the university that’s kept you there so long?

I actually completed my undergraduate studies here, so Hofstra has always felt like home. It’s a place where faculty and staff truly care about students as individuals. When I graduated and moved on to grad school, I couldn’t imagine not being part of this community.

Over the years, what’s kept me here is the sense of connection and purpose. Hofstra is a place where people know your name, notice if you’re not around, and genuinely care about your success. That level of engagement inspired me to make a difference in whatever role I’ve held. I’ve always wanted to leave things better than I found them, and that motivation has only grown over time.

Jack: You’ve touched on community, which leads nicely into one of today’s big topics. How are you promoting a unified and uplifting campus environment at Hofstra?

This semester, we’re launching a semester-long Unity Project, which is something we’re really excited about. It kicks off with a series of conversations between students, faculty, and administrators about embracing differences and engaging in respectful dialogue, even when we disagree. These sessions encourage open, authentic communication, which is key to building a strong, inclusive community.

Midway through the semester, we’ll host a program with Braver Angels, an organization that specializes in fostering civil discourse. Later in the year, we’ll implement a visual Unity Project on campus. It involves a series of poles on our quad, each representing a different identity. Community members will connect colored strings to the poles based on how they identify, creating a web that shows how much we all overlap. It’s a powerful reminder of our shared humanity and the respect we owe one another.

We also focus on accessibility – meeting students where they are. For example, our Dean of Students gives every new student her personal phone number during orientation, so they know she’s always available. We’ve also created group chats and virtual spaces where students can connect with peers and staff. This helps foster relationships and engagement, even for those who might be shy or hesitant at first.

Jack: Students today are juggling so many commitments. How do you ensure your key messages cut through and reach them?

That’s a challenge for every university, but we’ve found that going to where students are – physically and virtually – makes a big difference. We host events in high-traffic areas like the student center atrium or residence hall lounges. Faculty partnerships are also key. When we can integrate programming into classes, students don’t have to choose between attending an event and fulfilling their academic obligations.

We also offer virtual opportunities for those who can’t attend in person. It’s about being intentional with programming – creating moments where students “almost trip over us” as they go about their day. This makes engagement feel seamless and accessible.

Jack: Beyond building community, what other priorities have you been focused on?

Mental health is a major focus for us. We take a holistic approach, recognizing that mental health encompasses so much more than one-on-one counseling. For example, we’ve introduced yoga sessions in residence halls, built a new outdoor multi-sport complex, and are even considering adding swings to campus. These initiatives remind students to take a break and enjoy some fresh air.

We’ve also partnered with TimelyCare to offer virtual mental health and wellness support, including 24/7 coaching and counseling. This complements our on-campus counseling services, which are closely integrated with our health and wellness facilities. Whether it’s addressing test anxiety, homesickness, or financial stress, we’re focused on giving students the tools they need to build resilience and thrive.

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

I’d say it’s to never tackle problems alone. As leaders, we sometimes feel the need to shoulder challenges ourselves, but diverse perspectives are invaluable. At Hofstra, we operate as a team of directors, each bringing unique expertise to the table. Whether the issue involves enrollment, residence life, or student wellness, collaborating across departments helps us find creative, comprehensive solutions.

This collaborative mindset mirrors the sense of community we strive to foster among our students. It’s about recognizing that we’re all in this together, and that unity makes us stronger.