Yosayra Solano, Ed.D.

Assistant Dean for Academic Enrichment & Director for the Educational Opportunity Fund Program

Newark

ACK 109C

(973) 353-3845

  • Educational Opportunity Fund Program

Dr. Yosayra F. Solano is the Assistant Dean for Academic Enrichment and Director of the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program at the Rutgers University School of Nursing–Newark. With over 18 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Solano provides strategic oversight for initiatives that advance student success, academic enrichment, and retention, focusing on supporting students in achieving their educational and professional goals.

In this capacity, she has oversight of offices that enhance student persistence, academic performance, and sense of belonging, including:

  • Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program – Comprehensive leadership of operations, strategic planning, student support services, program assessment, budget oversight, and external fundraising.
  • Office of Student Advisement & Retention – Strategic direction for academic advisement services, student persistence strategies, and cross-campus coordination.
  • Office of Academic Success – Development and implementation of tutoring, academic coaching, and success programming to improve student retention and outcomes

Before joining Rutgers, Dr. Solano spent nine years as an Academic Advisor at Montclair State University and has held roles in Residence Life, Student Activities, Leadership Development, and New Student Orientation.

She earned her B.A. in Communication Arts from Ramapo College of New Jersey, her M.A.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Seton Hall University, and her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership/Higher Education from Rowan University.

Her research interests focus on advancing student belonging, retention, and overall success in higher education, with particular attention to the experiences of first-generation college students. A proud alumna of the EOF program herself, Dr. Solano brings passion, vision, and a deep commitment to creating pathways of opportunity that promote access, equity, and success for all students in higher education.