What keeps you on your toes? For Ryan Kane, balancing work projects, family life and a new puppy are just some of the things that keep him busy. Kane, the assistant vice president of Organizational Development and Inclusion at Valencia College, wears many different hats on any given day. When he’s not playing the role of husband, dad, leader or supervisor, he’s tapping into his artistic side—playing the piano, clarinet and saxophone.

With an extensive background in higher education, he’s had first-hand experience in working with very diverse groups of students. One of his favorite aspects of his position is seeing the impact that his team’s work has on students’ professional and personal lives. “The work we’re doing is creating a positive experience for students as a whole, which is extremely rewarding,” he says.

A northeast native, Kane grew up in a suburb outside of Philadelphia. Originally interested in pursuing a career in prelaw, he earned a political science degree with a minor in psychology at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. While there, he worked as a resident assistant, and later, transitioned to a residence director. It was during this time that he developed a greater passion for psychology and its connection with people.

After Franklin & Marshall College, he took a position as residence director at Siena College, before moving into a similar role at Towson University. At Towson, Kane supervised a number of residences, which included 15-floor towers and 150 townhome units. His quick-wittedness and easy-going personality were everyday essentials in this position. “Each townhome housed eight students who had to share two bathrooms,” recalls Kane, laughing. “You can imagine what that was like.”

Through his 12 years at Towson, he would take on additional roles, earn a master’s degree, chair the student affairs and staff development committee, and move into a director position with the Office of Student Conduct. While the position was serious in nature, he enjoyed the one-on-one interaction with students, saying, “I would ask them about their values and whether or not their behaviors aligned with those values. It was a great way to help guide them in making better choices to lead a successful life.” It was also in this position where he began working more closely with Title IX, a federal law that mandates sexual harassment and sexual violence requirements for educational institutions.

Although Kane and his family lived in the northeast their entire lives, they always dreamed of becoming residents of the Sunshine State. “We spent a lot of time in Florida with family and friends in the area, visiting theme parks and the beach. It always felt like this area was home.”

So in 2015 when a Title IX position opened at Valencia College, he jumped at the opportunity.

After an hour-long interview, Kane knew that Valencia was exactly what he was looking for. Within weeks, Kane, his wife and two daughters headed south to start their new life in Central Florida. “We’ve seen more family and friends since moving down here. They can come visit any time and go to the parks, catch up over dinner… even take the dog on a walk,” he jokes.