Jillian Cross, PhD

A native of Milwaukee Wisconsin, Dr. Cross is a highly motivated educator with a strong focus in educational equity, sense of belonging, college access, and student success. She has a passion for helping college students realize their highest potential and achieve their academic goals. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Language and Literature from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in higher education from Iowa State University, and a PhD in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development from North Carolina State University. Since 2012, Dr. Cross has worked in higher education at various universities across the country. It was her personal experience as a low-income single parent in college, combined with her academic and professional background in higher education that led to her founding Hope Her Way. Dr. Cross often says, “Hope Her Way is definitely a God thing. It’s a part of my life’s purpose".