Get to Know Kearns Center Academic Coach Jessica McCane
If you come into the David T. Kearns Center on any given day, you will likely find the door to Jessica McCane’s office open with a sign that reads “everyone is welcome here.” If you take a step into her office, you’ll find a space filled with color and art, and bright lamp light—making her office a warm and inviting place to visit.
McCane says that is all intentional, her way of letting students know they are entering a safe space and that she is there to help and assist with anything they may need. McCane is an academic coach with the Student Support Services program in the Kearns Center and in May will celebrate her one-year anniversary at Kearns.
McCane came to the University of Rochester from Nazareth University where she worked as an adjunct history lecturer and advised history education students. Although early in her career, McCane has committed to expanding her horizons and striving towards excellence—working to learn as much as she can and finding ways to have the most impact in her work. McCane says the students she got to work with at Nazareth really inspired her to consider a job in the academic advising space. “I really enjoyed advising my students, working through their schedules, working through their career plans and all the other intricacies of their lives and it made me think about wanting to pursue that and see if I would be able to use my degree and make a career out of that.” Now that she has been in her new role at the Kearns Center for a year, she is proud and grateful for her previous experiences that have allowed this next step to be such a great fit. “I feel like my ability to teach history and make it applicable and exciting has translated into my ability to be a really good advisor,” says McCane.
McCane also attended Nazareth for her undergraduate schooling and was excited to teach there after obtaining her master’s degree from Colombia University. “I knew Nazareth like the back of my hand, it was very easy for me to go from student to teacher there,” McCane explains. But making the transition from working at Nazareth to working at UR has been more of a ‘winding journey’. “The U of R is massive,” McCane admits, adding that there has been a lot to learn. “When you live in Rochester your entire life, all you hear about is how distinguished UR is and how massive and beautiful and impressive everything is, and how intelligent the students are. And when I started here, I realized that all of that was true and all of the students that I have met with are all so genuine and kind—along with [having] massive brains—they are so intelligent and wildly talented!”
McCane credits the students she works with and her Kearns Center colleagues—including her supervisor, Student Support Services (SSS) Program Manager Jazmin Dunham—with being so helpful and making her feel a part of the team. “It has been really exciting because there are always new things going on,” McCane explains. “We have new events that we are looking forward to every month. There are always new things to learn about U of R and the students that I work with, so it has felt like a marathon—but in a good way!” Dunham is grateful for the work McCane has put in and says having her as part of the SSS team has been fantastic. “She brings a strong sense of dedication and enthusiasm to her role, making a positive impact. Her ability to connect with students so quickly, provide meaningful support, and contribute innovative ideas has helped strengthen the program’s mission,” Dunham says.
McCane has come into the Kearns Center during a time of growth. McCane was one of six people were hired at the Kearns Center in 2024—leading to a lot of excitement and buzz about the future of the center. Dunham says with the addition of McCane, the SSS program has been able to focus on new ideas for student engagement. “With this added support, I’m able to engage students more effectively by hosting more workshops, increasing the number of one on one advising sessions, and providing more personalized support overall,” says Dunham. “It’s allowed me to be more present and intentional in my interactions, which helps build stronger connections with students and better meet their individual needs. [McCane’s] contributions have been invaluable, and her presence has truly enriched the SSS program,” Dunham says. Building those stronger connections has included hosting cohort dinners for students in the program, something the SSS team introduced this semester for the first time. The first cohort dinner was held on March 17, 2025 and was a huge success.
Visit the Student Support Services program page learn more about the SSS team. If you are interested in attending events hosted by the Kearns Center, see our events page.