About Me

The big mission behind Education

Grounded in Mission. Focused on Systems.

I am Dr. Michael A. DeJesus III — an education policy and systems leader with 20 years of experience advancing opportunity through postsecondary access, student success strategy, and cross-sector collaboration. My work spans higher education institutions, state government, nonprofit leadership, and economic development, and is grounded in the belief that education should be a bridge to personal growth, workforce readiness, and long-term mobility.

What Guides My Work

A values-driven approach to education policy and leadership.

Purpose-Driven Systems

I believe systems should be designed with people — not just policy — in mind. My work connects strategy to lived experience, ensuring that programs and policies lead to real-world results for learners and communities.

Integrity in Leadership

I lead with clarity, accountability, and humility. Whether guiding institutions or managing cross-functional teams, I strive to build trust, make decisions transparently, and keep the mission at the center.

Service Through Stewardship

I view leadership as a responsibility to serve — not just to direct. Every initiative, budget, or strategy is a chance to steward resources toward a larger mission that uplifts communities.

Bridging Education, Workforce, and Regional Growth

With deep experience spanning postsecondary access, student success, and cross-sector systems leadership, I have led initiatives that connect education pathways to workforce and economic opportunity. I have worked across state government, higher education institutions, and nonprofit organizations—most recently directing a multi-state postsecondary success portfolio for the Southern Regional Education Board. I hold a Ph.D. and Ed.S. in Education Policy, Research, and Administration and serve on multiple organization boards focused on youth development and regional talent pipelines

Leading Multi-State Strategy and Institutional Innovation

Throughout my career, I have led complex, multi-state initiatives focused on aligning education-to-career pathways with regional and economic needs. At the Southern Regional Education Board, I direct a multi-unit office serving 16 states, overseeing programs such as the Academic Common Market, Historically Black College and University-Minority Serving Institution Course (HBCU-MSI)-Sharing Consortium, State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, and the Education Technology Cooperative.

Shaping Policy and Expanding Opportunity in Government Systems

Before joining the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), I spent over a decade in New York state government — first at Empire State Development, where I worked to expand procurement access for Minority and Women's Business Enterprises (MWBEs), and later at the New York State Education Department, managing one of the nation’s oldest higher education opportunity programs and conducting statewide civil rights compliance reviews.

A Personal Commitment to Pathways and Possibility

My work is deeply influenced by my own educational journey as a first-generation college student and by my commitment to building systems that close gaps and create sustainable outcomes.

Where I’ve Been. What I’ve Built.

Each step in my career has been anchored in a commitment to expanding opportunity, building sustainable programs, and serving students, institutions, and communities.

2022–Present

Regional Strategy and Postsecondary Innovation

At SREB, lead a 16-state portfolio focused on affordability, transfer, and student success. Oversee initiatives including Open Educational Resources, HBCU-MSI partnerships, and education technology. Provided transitional leadership for the Postsecondary Education Division during an executive vacancy.

2013–Present

Board & Community Leadership

Serve on the boards of Youth Leadership Henry and the Academy for Advanced Studies. Former executive board member for the Tri-State Consortium, supporting college access and student success initiatives.

2010–2022

Advancing Access and Policy in the Public Sector

Expanded MWBE participation at Empire State Development and managed the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) at NYSED. Modernized program evaluation and led statewide civil rights compliance efforts.

2008–2010

Campus Leadership and Classroom Impact

Directed student success and cultural engagement programs at The College of Saint Rose. Also taught African history as an adjunct, fostering global awareness in the classroom.

2002–2007

Foundations in Student Affairs and Leadership

Supported residential life operations as an assistant residence director at the University at Albany and held progressive roles at SUNY New Paltz.

Faith in Action

Beyond the Resume

My work has always been rooted in service. I mentor young men through the Young Lions Rites-of-Passage program at Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church in Griffin, Georgia, guiding their personal growth and leadership development. I also helped coordinate disaster relief efforts—both locally and internationally—through Metropolitan NTM Baptist Church in Albany, New York, mobilizing volunteers and resources in times of crisis.

This lifelong commitment to service began during my college years, where I supported student-led mentoring and youth engagement efforts. These early experiences shaped the values that continue to guide my leadership: proximity, purpose, and building up others.

Michael A. DeJesus III, Ph.D.