Marcia Y. Cantarella, PhD is the author of I CAN Finish College: The Overcome Any Obstacle and Get Your Degree Guide which educators, parents and students say is a goldmine of information and strategies for any who struggle to complete college degrees.

Formerly she was a corporate executive with roles in Public Affairs and Marketing before moving to the academic world. She has been a Dean at Hunter College, Princeton University and part of the Dean’s staff at NYU. She has been responsible for academic advisement, career development, preparation for postgraduate fellowships, development of diversity programs, and strategies to generally enhance students’ academic experience and outcomes. As Vice-President of Student Affairs at Metropolitan College of NY she was responsible for admissions and student services.

Dr. Cantarella continues to consult to colleges like Hunter and work with students including those at programs like Futures and Options as well as serving on many board and committees relating to educational success and access. She was also the creator of the educational material which accompanied the PBS documentary All the Difference and is a regular contributor to How to Learn.

Her doctoral degree from NYU is in American Studies with a focus on American business.