Biography
Arlene works in the Office of Advisement focusing on helping students stay connected
and engaged throughout their time at HCCC. She works with both the Hudson Scholars
Program and the Advisement Office to ensure students understand available support
services and feel a sense of belonging. Arlene also leads efforts to create events
and initiatives that help students connect with advising outside of traditional appointments.
Arlene Ganess is the Senior Assistant Director of Student Engagement & Experience
in the Office of Advisement at Hudson County Community College. In this role, she
helps students build meaningful connections to the Advisement Office and the Hudson
Scholars Program through events, outreach, and engagement opportunities that go beyond
traditional advising. Her work focuses on helping students feel supported, informed,
and connected to the many resources that contribute to their success at HCCC. A proud
Jersey City native and first-generation college graduate, Arlene earned her Bachelor’s
degree and MBA in Business Administration from Saint Peter’s University, where she
also developed her passion for student development and higher education. She is currently
pursuing her Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) at Saint Peter’s, where her research explores
how student involvement fosters leadership, belonging, persistence and identity among
first- and second-generation immigrant students of color. Arlene is dedicated to creating
inclusive and engaging experiences that empower students to thrive both in and out
of the classroom.