About This Episode

Season 6. Episode 6.

Dr. F. Janelle Hannah Jefferson, Director of Network Services and Development for the Advising Success Network at NASPA, joins Education Insight for a powerful conversation about how effective, equity-centered advising can transform student outcomes.

In her national role, Dr. Jefferson leads efforts to build strong networks among advising professionals, advance equity in student success, and promote innovative practices that help colleges and universities better support all students. She brings a wealth of experience to the conversation, including over 17 years at Jackson State University, where she shaped programs, taught courses, and led initiatives that guided countless students through their college journeys.

Dr. Jefferson shares how academic advising can support the whole student—not just with course selection, but also through life challenges, mental health struggles, and a need for belonging. She discusses how campuses are adopting tools like AI and data-driven strategies to help students navigate critical decisions, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining authentic human connection at the center of advising.

This episode sheds light on why advising is one of the most powerful yet underrecognized levers for advancing equity, improving student retention, and ensuring that every learner has a fair chance to succeed.

Featured Guest

Dr. F. Janelle Hannah Jefferson

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Interview Highlights

3:57 – Adrienne describes dual enrollment and its benefits.

7:15 – Adrienne speaks to how recent California mandates and initiatives may have influenced the growth of these new programs.

8:34 – Adrienne explains what research shows about the impact of dual enrollment on a student’s academic achievements or even their future success.

9:24 – Adrienne shares examples of dual enrollment activities that are taking place in our region and what is happening in the IE. 

13:11 – Adrienne talks about strategies in place to make sure that equal opportunities are available for all students.

20:18 – Jorge explains how dual enrollment aligns with his role at Riverside County Unified School District.

21:28 – Jorge shares his experiences and thoughts on the current dual enrollment programs that are being offered at Riverside Unified School District.

23:32 – Jorge gives insight into how dual enrollment makes students career ready.

25:58 – Jorge describes what challenges students typically face in dual enrollment programs and how he addresses those issues. 

32:43 – Jorge shares what he would like to see be the future of the dual enrollment program in his district and beyond. 

36:31 – Special Feature: Avijeet Randhawa, 8th-Grader, Auburndale Intermediate School in the Corona Norco Unified School District.

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Education Insight tells the story of education in the Inland Empire through the diverse voices of those in and around the regional education community. The show is produced by Growing Inland Achievement, a collective impact organization in the Inland Empire with a mission to increase economic prosperity in the region by increasing educational attainment. Hosted by 30-year broadcast veteran Lacey Kendall, monthly shows explore topics ranging from education challenges and shortcomings to innovations and groundbreaking ideas that are driving student success.