Meet the SGPS Team

Dr. Rabia Hos, the newly appointed Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies at Southern Connecticut State University, brings a distinguished record of scholarship, teaching excellence, and extensive community engagement to her leadership role. With over two decades of experience spanning roles as a public-school teacher, department chair, and graduate program director, Dr. Hos has consistently championed educational equity and access.

Dr. Hos earned her Ph.D. in Teaching & Curriculum with a specialization in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and Bilingual Education from the University of Rochester in 2012. Her academic journey and research have centered around advocating for newcomer immigrants and refugees with inconsistent or interrupted formal education (SIFE), drawing from her personal experiences as an immigrant to the United States and a first-generation college and graduate student.

As a seasoned educator and scholar, Dr. Hos has a strong publication record, contributing significantly to understanding the challenges faced by multilingual learners (MLLs) across global contexts, including Germany, Türkiye, and the United States. Her commitment to community-engaged scholarship is reflected in her leadership in global initiatives to expand teacher education programs and promote cross-cultural understanding among educators.

During her tenure at various universities, her strategic leadership and ability to foster partnerships have been instrumental in securing grants and enhancing educational initiatives aimed at supporting the most vulnerable student populations. Dr. Hos is actively involved in local, regional, and national education associations, including serving on the board of directors for the Multistate Association for Bilingual Education (MABE) as the vice president. She is an advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and access (DEIJA), working tirelessly to recruit and retain students from diverse backgrounds while advocating for historically marginalized communities.

As Dean, Dr. Hos is committed to leveraging her expertise in graduate education dynamics to enhance the School of Graduate and Professional Studies at Southern Connecticut State University. She is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where graduate students thrive academically and professionally.

Dr. Lisa Galvin is an accomplished higher education leader with over two decades of experience in graduate enrollment management, admissions, and strategic initiatives. She holds an Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Northcentral University, an M.B.A., and a B.S. in Biology from Southern Connecticut State University. She also completed the Management Development Program at Harvard School of Education.

Currently serving as the Associate Dean for Graduate Enrollment Management, Dr. Galvin oversees all aspects of graduate recruitment, admissions, and retention, implementing innovative strategies that have consistently increased enrollment and retention rates. She has successfully led the integration of new technologies, developed retention initiatives, and partnered with university teams to enhance marketing efforts.

With a proven track record in improving processes and student experiences, Dr. Galvin brings a collaborative approach to her leadership role, driving continuous improvement and growth in graduate education.

Dr. Jessica Garcés Jensen is the Associate Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies at Southern Connecticut State University. Prior to Southern, she served as a Graduate Program Director and Associate Professor of French at the University of Southern Indiana (USI), where she significantly contributed to the development and leadership of the Master of Arts in Second Language Acquisition, Policy, and Culture program. Her academic career includes positions at the University of Pennsylvania and Université Paris-Diderot, where she specialized in French language and literature. Dr. Jensen’s administrative expertise encompasses strategic planning, program development and assessment, faculty recruitment, community outreach, and student engagement. She has led numerous initiatives in curriculum design, including innovative graduate and undergraduate programs. Her commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is evident through her leadership in developing EDIB-focused curricula and faculty development awards and mentoring underrepresented students. Her research interests focus on contemporary French literature, particularly first-person fictional narratives of reproductive bodies. Dr. Jensen has received multiple honors, including the AATF Indiana Collegiate French Teacher of the Year award and various teaching and service accolades. She received her Ph.D in French Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and her A.B. in French Literature from Brown University.

Dr. Amy Feest is the Senior Director of the Office of Workforce and Lifelong Learning.  Dr. Feest’s commitment to student success has been evident throughout her career, which includes more than 23 years’ experience in higher education. Her roles have included Marketing Professor, Business Program Coordinator, Academic Dean, and Associate Vice President of Programs and Curriculum. Dr. Feest has her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands, her Master of Science in Communication & Organization Management from Central Connecticut State University, and her Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Post College. For more details on her background and experience, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyfeest/

Ms. Sparano serves as the Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies, overseeing the graduate admissions process and supporting prospective students through each step of their journey. A proud undergraduate alum of Southern, she completed dual master’s degrees before returning to her alma mater with over ten years of experience in higher education admissions, advising, and enrollment management. She brings a wealth of expertise in both traditional on-ground and fully online undergraduate and graduate programs. She is dedicated to enhancing the growth and innovation of our graduate programs, supporting graduate students in their academic and professional development, and ensuring they thrive in their educational pursuits.

With an Associate’s degree from Housatonic Community College and a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Behavioral Science from Charter Oak State College, Stefanie has been a dedicated professional in higher education since 2006. Her career began as a student worker in Continuing Education and the Registrar’s Office at Housatonic Community College. After graduating, she joined Norwalk Community College, where she spent over a decade in various roles, including admissions, and the Office of Diversity and Equity Programs, where she supported the Chief Diversity Officer, as well as in the Chief Operating Officer’s office. For the past three years, Stefanie has been an Administrative Assistant to the Dean at Southern Connecticut State University. She is currently pursuing an MBA in Organizational Management, aiming to leverage her extensive experience to enhance organizational effectiveness and foster inclusive educational environments.

Ms. Dawn Grimes has been a dedicated employee at Southern Connecticut State University for over 32 years. Her journey began as a clerk in the School of Graduate and Professional Studies, where she quickly developed a passion for supporting students and faculty. Over the years, she has advanced to the position of Secretary 1, a role in which she continues to thrive.

In her current position, she is responsible for a variety of administrative tasks that ensure the smooth operation of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. Her duties include managing communications, coordinating schedules, events on campus and assisting with the preparation and submission of important documents. She takes great pride in her work and is committed to providing exceptional service to students and staff.  Throughout her tenure at SCSU, she has witnessed many changes and growth within the university and met many people and friends along the way.  Her long-standing commitment to the institution reflects her dedication to fostering an environment where students can achieve their academic and professional goals.

Outside of work, She enjoys spending time with her daughter, grandchildren, family, and the creation of different crafts which help her maintain a balanced and fulfilling life.

Ms. Teneka Mills is a dedicated Office Assistant for the School of Graduate and Professional Studies, currently residing in Stratford, CT, after moving from Teaneck, NJ. With dual Master’s degrees—one in Higher Education Administration and another in Communication with a focus on Social Media Marketing. Ms. Mills is passionate about integrating educational and digital strategies. Outside of work, Teneka has a keen interest in fashion, makeup, hair, and entertainment, reflecting a vibrant personal style and creativity. An avid cook who enjoys the great outdoors and the joys of summertime, Ms. Mills finds balance through continuous learning and exploring new interests