MCLA's Vice President of Student Affairs Selected for National Student Advising Initiative
May 14, 2026
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts’ Jeannette Smith, Ph.D., Vice President of Student
Affairs, 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 Association (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.
Developing adaptable strategies and recommendations serves us well in supporting students
while providing clear opportunities and resources for staff and faculty,” said Dr.
Smith
"Dr. Smith's selection for this national initiative reflects MCLA's commitment to
student-centered support systems that help every student succeed," said MCLA President James F. Birge. "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 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.
For more information about the initiative, visit https://sheeo.org/project/holistic-advising-for-student-success/.
About MCLA
At MCLA, we're here for all — and focused on each — of our students. Classes are taught
by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive
on every level of their lives. In every way possible, the experience at MCLA is designed
to elevate our students as individuals, leaders, and communicators, fully empowered
to make their impressions on the world. In addition to our 130-year commitment to
public education, we have fortified our dedication to equitable academic excellence.
MCLA has appeared on U.S. News & World Report's list of Top Ten Public Colleges for
11 consecutive years, earning the No. 6 spot on the list of Top Public Liberal Arts
Schools in the nation for 2026. The College's focus on affordable education and economic
prosperity is reflected in additional 2026 U.S. News rankings: No. 6 for Top Performer
on Social Mobility for liberal arts colleges in the state and No. 4 for Top Performer
on Social Mobility for public liberal arts colleges in the country. These rankings
measure how well schools graduate students who receive Federal Pell Grants