Jennifer Hauss earned her Ph.D. in English at the University of Rhode Island. Prior to moving to California, she was an Assistant Professor of English at Rhode Island College teaching Ethnic American Literatures, the American Indian Novel, Western Literature,and Introduction to Academic Writing. Dr. Hauss’ previous experience includes owning a restaurant and working with several college and community outreach programs, including Preparatory Enrollment Program (PEP), John Hope Settlement House, Wahteauonk Youth Program and the Rhode Island Dropout Prevention Program, as well as coordination of many cultural events.

Jennifer has previously served as COC’s Director of Community Extension, Director of Service Learning, and as the advisor to Gamma Beta Phi, a national service honor society. Since joining the English department in 2011, she has been actively involved in department projects, including the Writing Matters conference and the statewide Community of Practice in Acceleration. Jennifer also continues to work with the School of Humanities and the Hollywood Bowl to benefit the entire campus community each year with access to the much beloved Hollywood Bowl Presents summer concert series. She is a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer for children in Foster Care. Jennifer lives in Ventura with her husband, Jon, and their rescue puppy Lambchop.