Anthony Desiderio

About Anthony Desiderio

As a first-generation college graduate, I’ve lived the transformative power of higher education—and for over a decade, I’ve committed my career to making that same transformation possible for others.I am a higher education leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy, equity, and student success. My professional journey has centered on designing, scaling, and sustaining impactful programs for first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented college students. Currently, I serve as Assistant Dean of Academic Support Services & First-Gen Initiatives at St. Francis College, where I provide strategic oversight to the Undergraduate Support Hub, Center for Learning & Leadership, Office of Opportunity Programs, and the First-Generation Center.Through this role and prior leadership positions, I’ve been privileged to lead several nationally recognized initiatives—including the NASPA Gold Award–winning Robert J. McGuire Scholars Program and our institution’s involvement in the Kessler Scholars Collaboration, a network of elite institutions committed to first-gen student success. Under my leadership, these programs have consistently exceeded retention benchmarks, increased four-year graduation rates, and created thriving academic communities rooted in belonging, purpose, and support.I’m passionate about operationalizing equity: turning bold ideas into sustainable systems through strategic planning, cross-departmental collaboration, data-informed decision-making, and strong fiscal stewardship. I’ve implemented award-winning peer mentorship models, and presented at national conferences to help shape the future of student affairs and academic support services.Beyond metrics, what drives me is the belief that every student—regardless of where they start—deserves a meaningful, supported, and empowering college journey. I’m especially proud of building inclusive academic environments that don\'t just help students succeed in college—but equip them to lead, thrive, and give back long after graduation.If you’re passionate about equity in higher education, innovation in student success, or creating programs that truly move the needle for first-gen and marginalized students—I’d love to connect and collaborate.

Experience

1. Assistant Dean, Academic Support Services & First-generation Initiatives

   St. Francis College

   Jul 2024 — Present · Brooklyn, NY, US

Education

• St. Francis College

  Bachelor of Arts (Combined BA/MA Degree)

  2009 — 2014

• Fairleigh Dickinson University

  Doctor of Education - EdD

  2023 — 2025

• St. Francis College

  Master of Arts (Combined BA/MA Degree)

  2014 — 2015

Skills

• Teaching
• Public Speaking
• Spss
• Research
• Leadership
• Social Networking
• Adolescents
• Event Planning
• Social Media