Hey y’all! My name is Jay Menees, and I’m excited to join Advance CTE as a senior policy associate. In this role, I’ll support the design and delivery of technical assistance to members, states, and other stakeholders across a wide range of projects and initiatives. I’m eager to use my experiences in research and practice—at both the state and community college levels—to continue advocating for Career Technical Education (CTE)!
I was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, and have lived all across the South (South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida). Just before joining Advance CTE, my family moved to just outside of Indianapolis—where I quickly learned I need to buy a “real” coat!
After high school, I initially set out to study history at a high level and, along the way, developed a passion for data and education policy. I first attended the University of South Carolina, where I studied Latin and Roman History—and yes, I do think about Rome every day and have for years (even before it was cool)! After completing my bachelor’s, I earned a Master of Arts in History from East Carolina University.
My first full-time job was at the University of Georgia, where I worked in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions with rural high school students and high-achieving, first-generation eighth graders. It was through this role that I saw firsthand how informed, data-driven decisions could positively impact college access for certain learners. Wanting to learn more, I completely shifted my career path to focus on higher education policy, finance, and administration. This led me to complete a Master of Public Administration from the University of Georgia and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Florida.
While pursuing my doctorate, I worked as a research assistant in the Office of CTE Quality in the Division of Career and Adult Education at the Florida Department of Education. There, I worked on the CTE Program Quality Audit, the Master Credential List, and the Education Meets Opportunity Platform (EMOP). Collectively, these policies and projects work together to lead CTE learners to high-skill, high-wage careers.
After two years at the Florida Department of Education, I took on the role of associate director of Institutional Research at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville, FL. At the college, I not only got to “play with lots of data and answer questions”—which is how I explained my job to family—but I also chaired the Return-on-Investment Workgroup, which prepared the institution for federal and state policies assessing CTE programs for quality and return on investment. I loved working at a community college, where you could see daily how CTE positively impacts learners’ lives!
I also want to share a bit about life outside of work. Right now, my number one priority is spending time with my wife and toddler son! When I’m not doing that, you can find me playing a round of disc golf, playing chess, cheering on the Carolina Gamecocks, working on my Camaro, or learning more about ancient Rome.
I’m excited to continue promoting CTE at Advance CTE and making connections with this amazing network of educators, administrators, leaders, and practitioners. I look forward to meeting and working with many of you in the future!
