New Full-Time Staff 2024

Matthew Latessa

Associate Director of Recruitment and Engagement | ASAP

Matthew Latessa joined Kingsborough Community College in January as associate director of recruitment and engagement for our Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) initiative, where he leads efforts to recruit students into the ASAP program after their admission to KCC.

ASAP is CUNY’s comprehensive support initiative for community college students aimed at boosting graduation rates and shortening time to degree completion. It helps students overcome potential financial burdens by providing textbook assistance, MTA OMNY cards, and tuition waivers for students who receive financial aid but still have a gap need. ASAP also provides personalized advisement, tutoring, career development services, and a connected community.

Matt moved to New York from Ohio in 2016 to attend graduate school and be closer to his now-wife. He holds a BA in American studies from Franklin & Marshall College and an MA in higher and postsecondary education from Teachers College, Columbia University.

He hadn't planned on a career in higher education. “I thought I was going to be a music journalist. I had visions of turning a college writing internship for an indie music blog into a full-time gig,” he shared. “That didn’t happen, so I made the switch to higher education and never looked back.” His first job in higher education was working in the admissions office for his alma mater. Subsequent roles span private colleges, charter schools, nonprofits, and international universities.

Kingsborough’s mission to provide educational opportunities to all New Yorkers drew him to the position. "I can’t think of a more inspiring mission," he said. "Many colleges talk about doing the work. Few do it. KCC does the work."

Outside work, Matt likes spending time with his growing family, including a young son. He's an avid music fan, guitar player, and watch collector.

He enjoys contributing an outsider’s perspective to the “CUNYverse.” “I’m tremendously curious about higher education, and my career reflects that. It’s my first time working in a community college environment, so I have a lot to learn. However, I’m excited to share my prior experiences with KCC.”