Congratulations to our January 2026 Member of the Month (MeMo) Kendra Strange! National College Attainment Network (NCAN) staff asked her both professional and personal questions so you can get to know her and the work she does better.
Q: What brought you to the college access and success field initially? A: As a first-generation college graduate, I have seen
firsthand the powerful impact education can have, not just on an individual, but on an entire family. I also understand what this journey feels like when it is navigated without resources, guidance, or prior experience to lean on. Walking this path
often means learning everything as you go, balancing the pressure of uncertainty with the hope of something better.
My involvement in college access work began while I was a student at Kansas State University (KSU), where I joined the admissions team as a student ambassador. I traveled with recruiters to share my own college experience and inspire other students to
see themselves at KSU. What started as telling my story quickly grew into something much deeper. I realized that my experiences, challenges, and successes had the power to help others believe that college was possible for them, too. My love for public
speaking, teaching, and leading came together in that moment, and I knew I had found my calling.
That realization sparked a passion that has never faded. It led me to pursue a career in college admissions, where I could continue to support, encourage, and guide students who might not otherwise have someone to walk alongside them through the process.
From that point on, the path became clear, and the rest is history.
Today, I am driven by a deep commitment to use my life experiences, knowledge, and professional background to open doors of opportunity for others. I believe education is a transformative force, and I am dedicated to helping students, families, practitioners,
organizations, and communities navigate the journey with confidence, support, and hope, especially those who are the first to dream of college. Education, college access, and student support captured my heart more than 20 years ago, and I have not
been able to let it go since.
Q: What do you love most about your role or organization? A: The opportunity to create meaningful, systemic impact while staying deeply connected to the people and communities this work serves across Texas. Through my portfolio,
which includes leading the Texas College Access Network (TxCAN), I bring together organizations, practitioners, and leaders committed to improving college access, transition, and attainment for students across the state. I am able to provide training
that improves student outcomes and support that increases the capacity of counselors, advisors, and organizations that support college access.
I find great purpose in building connections and fostering collaboration among individuals who are passionate about this work. TxCAN allows me to learn from others, share best practices, and elevate innovative strategies from across Texas, while also
learning from national partners and networks. Being able to support and strengthen the field—especially those doing direct service with students—is incredibly meaningful to me.
What makes this role especially fulfilling is that it aligns closely with my own lived experience as a first-generation college graduate. I can draw on my personal journey, professional background, and field knowledge to help open doors of opportunity
for others. Every day, I am reminded that this work has the power to change lives, families, and communities, and I am grateful to be in a role that allows me to contribute to that impact at scale.
Q: What's your favorite thing about being an NCAN member? A:The sense of connection it provides. NCAN creates meaningful opportunities for me to spend time with others who are deeply passionate about college access, transition, and
attainment support. Being part of this network reminds me that I am not alone in this work and that there is a shared commitment to helping students succeed.
Through NCAN, I am able to learn from professionals with more experience, gain access to valuable training and resources, and continue to grow both personally and professionally. I also appreciate having a space where I can share my own ideas and perspectives,
contribute to important conversations, and engage with a community of people who truly live and breathe this work every day.
What makes NCAN especially invaluable to me is the opportunity to learn from leaders across different states and regions. Hearing about innovative strategies, policies, and programs from others expands my understanding and strengthens the impact of my
own work. NCAN serves as a powerful conduit for connection, collaboration, and change, and being a part of this network is both inspiring and essential to the work I do.
Q: What advice do you have for people who are new to college attainment work? A:Start by listening, learning, and building relationships. This work is deeply rooted in understanding students’ lived experiences, so take the time
to truly hear their stories and meet them where they are. Remember that many students are navigating systems that were not designed with them in mind, and your empathy and patience can make a lasting difference.
I would also encourage newcomers to seek out community and connection early on. Surround yourself with people who are passionate about college access, transition, and attainment, and do not be afraid to learn from those with more experience. Engage in
professional networks, ask questions, pursue training opportunities, and remain open to new ideas. This field is constantly evolving, and continuous learning is essential.
Finally, bring your whole self into the work. Your background, perspective, and experiences matter, especially if you have personally navigated the college journey. Share your story, trust your voice, and understand that even small moments of encouragement
or guidance can have a powerful impact. College attainment work is challenging, but it is also incredibly meaningful, and when done with intention and collaboration, it has the power to change lives.
Personality Questions Every month, our MeMos answer some fun questions to help us get to know their “out of office” side!
Q: If you were dropped into any movie or TV show as a new main character, what movie or TV show would you pick and why? A: I love TV because it lets you see things through someone else's lens
or discover new things. If I could, I would be Viola Davis in The Woman King. To experience that life, but also it's one of my favorite movies.
Q: You get to host a dinner party with five people, dead or alive, famous or not. Who are you hosting? A: Oh, I love this because I love to cook, decorate, and host. The people I would invite are my grandfather,
Rev. Welton Eugene Turner, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Beyoncé, and Barack and Michelle Obama.
Q: What's one thing you'd like to cross off your personal bucket list? Is there one thing you've crossed off already that you're really proud of? A: I want to earn a Ph.D., so I plan to start school soon and
finally check that goal off my bucket list. I also wanted to dye my hair blonde for years, and I finally took the leap a couple of months ago. Blondes really do have more fun!
Q: Imagine you could teleport anywhere. Where would you go right now and why? A: I would for sure go to the Maldives.
Q: What's your favorite food, and one food you don't like? A: My favorite food is bacon. It works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Cotton candy, though? Not a fan at all!
Q: If you could immediately be fluent in one language AND proficiently play one instrument, which language and instrument would you choose and why? A: I would choose Spanish, as it would allow me to better support and connect with
more students and families across Texas. Being able to communicate directly and more effectively would strengthen relationships, build trust, and expand access to critical information and resources.
I would also love to learn how to play the piano. I already enjoy singing, and being able to accompany myself on the piano would take that passion to a whole new level and open up a new creative outlet for me. It would also allow me to set up anywhere
and sing to people, a dream!
Q: You HAVE to sing at karaoke. What song do you pick? A: My go-to karaoke song is “Tyrone” by Erykah Badu, and a close second is “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston.
Q: What’s one topic, not related to education/college attainment, that you could give an impromptu 45 minute TEDTalk about? A: The power of food and fellowship.
Q: What's on your to be read next list? A: The Turner House, by Angela Flournoy
Q: Is there a fun fact about yourself that you'd like to share that's not in these questions? A: My husband and I recently adopted our amazing daughter, Joi, and she brings so much joy into our lives. She
is talkative, creative, and a true music lover, just like her parents.
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