Brianna Dark-McClay, M.S.Ed.
Brianna Dark-McClay, M.S.Ed., is a higher education leader dedicated to transforming lives through the power of education. Currently serving as Associate Dean of Student Services at Kennedy-King College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago, she has spent nearly 15 years advancing access and opportunity for underserved students. Her career began while pursuing her master’s degree in higher education with an emphasis in student affairs, which led to early roles as a program specialist, academic advisor, and instructor at Northeastern Illinois University. There, she worked closely with students in alternate admissions programs, helping guide them through academic, personal, and career development while fostering confidence and leadership.
In 2014, Brianna joined the City Colleges of Chicago system as an academic advisor, launching a career path defined by resilience, growth, and a deep commitment to student success. After briefly being laid off, she returned to the institution as coordinator of the Access Center, supporting students with disabilities and strengthening her understanding of inclusive student services. She later gained experience in admissions and advising at Malcolm X College before returning to Kennedy-King College as Director of the Early College Program. In that role, she expanded partnerships with local high schools, increased program enrollment by more than 150 percent, and celebrated a historic milestone when the program graduated its first students who earned associate degrees before receiving their high school diplomas.
Since 2024, Brianna has served as Associate Dean of Student Services, where she focuses on improving student retention and developing strong, collaborative teams. Known for her transformational leadership style, she believes in “lifting as she climbs,” empowering others while building pathways to success for students and colleagues alike. Guided by her personal philosophy of the “three P’s”—pray, pivot, and push forward—she approaches leadership with grace, resilience, and purpose. Beyond her professional work, Brianna is also a passionate community member who leads her church’s children’s choir and honors her family’s culinary legacy through a catering business inspired by her chef grandparents. Through every role she holds, she remains committed to uplifting communities and ensuring that education continues to open doors for future generations.
• Northern Illinois University (NIU) - M.S.Ed.
• National Association for Academic Advisors (NACADA)
• Youth and Children's Choir Teacher at Church
• Church Choir Member
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to what I call my three P’s: I pray, I pivot, and I push forward. I also credit my positive outlook—I consistently focus on possibilities rather than limitations, finding opportunities even in challenging situations. Alongside this mindset, I rely on sheer grit and determination, which empower me to keep moving forward regardless of obstacles. These qualities together have been central to everything I’ve achieved.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to have grit and stand your ground. During COVID, we struggled to secure faculty mentors for early college classes. A VP I admired suggested canceling classes, but I kept pushing and was able to confirm all mentors. He later told me he was proud I stood my ground, which showed me that leadership isn’t about always being right—it’s about doing what’s best for the team and the students.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering this field to lead with grace and passion. Show grace and passion for your students from the start, and carry that same approach into leadership roles. When managing people, it can be more challenging than creating policies, but the people are the heart of the organization—so leading with grace is essential.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field are government funding shortfalls and the declining perception of education’s value. Many grants that supported African American and Latinx students have been reduced or eliminated, and some people question the return on investment in education given rising debt and uncertain job prospects. Our focus is on ensuring students gain viable credentials—whether degrees or trade certificates—and helping them see the value in education. Despite these challenges, there are opportunities: with persistence and experience, there are pathways to rewarding roles in this field that make a real impact.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in my work and personal life are putting your best foot forward and being considerate of others. I say that to my son, my husband, and everyone I work with - do your best and be considerate of others. Those are two of the main things I live by.