MCLA’s Jeannette Smith Selected for National Student Advising Initiative

Jeannette Smith

NORTH ADAMS — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Vice President of Student Affairs Jeannette Smith has been selected to serve on the Massachusetts state team for a new, national initiative focused on holistic student advising and case management.

The State Higher Education Executive Officers Assoc. (SHEEO) announced this spring the launch of Holistic Advising for Student Success, a two-year program engaging seven states, including Massachusetts, to strengthen advising systems that support student retention, completion, and success.

“I am excited to participate in this initiative, both as a learner and an educator,” Smith said. “Developing adaptable strategies and recommendations serves us well in supporting students while providing clear opportunities and resources for staff and faculty.”

MCLA President James Birge added that “Dr. Smith’s selection for this national initiative reflects MCLA’s commitment to student-centered support systems that help every student succeed. Her expertise in centering the student experience within policy development will contribute to meaningful policy changes that benefit students across Massachusetts and serves as a model for institutions nationwide.”

The initiative, supported by the ECMC Foundation and conducted in partnership with MDRC, will provide state teams with technical assistance, coaching, and peer learning opportunities to develop policy agendas that scale holistic advising statewide. Only seven states nationwide were selected to participate: Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, South Carolina, and Washington.

“This learning community recognizes that advising is not just an academic function, but is a critical driver of student belonging and success,” said John Lane, vice president for Academic Affairs at SHEEO.