Jenn Kosses Named NASPA Pillar of the Profession

Throughout her two decades in student affairs, Jenn Kosses has learned from mentors who were named Pillars of the Profession. Now Wentworth's associate vice president and dean of students joins them as a member of the NASPA Foundation's 2027 class. 

The NASPA Pillars of the Profession award recognizes leaders whose service, scholarship, mentorship, and commitment have made a lasting difference in student affairs and higher education. Kosses will be formally recognized in March 2027, during the NASPA Annual Conference in National Harbor, Md. 

"Wentworth has been my professional home for almost 20 years, and I'm excited to be sharing this award with everyone here," Kosses said. 

Kosses has held several roles at the university. In Housing and Residential Education, she helped streamline the in-person housing selection process. Later, as assistant dean of students, she brought colleagues together to develop programming and educational initiatives focused on consent and sexual misconduct. 

Today, as dean of students, she addresses each incoming class at Orientation before leading them four years later through Commencement as Institute Marshal. 

"I’ve been very proud of the work I have been able to do in all of the roles that I have had," she said. "Wentworth's trajectory is heading in a direction that makes me excited about what will be next and how my role and my work can hopefully have an impact on the student journey." 

Student success and belonging have long been at the center of Kosses' work. She was among the members of the Wentworth community who had direct input into the First-Year Tower, the 18-story residence hall set to open in 2028. 

"It’s been amazing to be a part of the planning of what a transformational building this will be," she said. "And there is some great work ahead of us as we plan a first-year experience that matches the building's functionality and amenities." 

She has also helped lead a transformation of the CARE team and Wentworth's student support efforts during her time as dean of students. 

"There has been such positive momentum from the community to submit referrals and let us know when a peer needs support," Kosses said. "I could not be prouder of the students for showing up for each other." 

Beyond campus, Kosses has given back to the profession through NASPA (Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education), serving on annual conference and steering committees and presenting at conferences. With Wentworth's support, she also spent eight years teaching in a master's program in higher education. 

Alex Cabal, an associate vice president at Berklee College of Music, has seen that work up close for more than 15 years. The two met in 2008, when Cabal was part of the first cohort of NASPA Region I's New Professional Mentoring Institute, which Kosses co-created and led. They later served together on the Region I Advisory Board and worked side by side for five years in Wentworth's Division of Student Affairs. 

"She is a thoughtful leader, generous colleague, and someone who consistently creates opportunities for others to learn, grow, and succeed," Cabal said. "Her impact reaches far beyond any one institution or role, and I’m grateful to have experienced it firsthand." 

Kosses credits her colleagues across Wentworth with shaping how she supports students. 

"I know that I can call any colleague on this campus to talk through something that I am managing alongside a student, and they will give it the time and attention it needs," she said. "They will work with me to find solutions. I really could not even think about supporting our students without those relationships." 

Kosses has worked in student affairs since 2004 and says each year has brought someone or something that shaped her, from colleagues and supervisors to students. Several of her former colleagues are past Pillars of the Profession, and some will be in National Harbor in March when she receives the award. 

"Student Affairs has brought some amazing people into my life, some of whom have become my friends and chosen family," she said. "To all of them, I say thank you. I know those two words do not do justice to how appreciative I am, but until I find ones that are big enough, thank you will have to do." 

To recognize Kosses and support the next generation of student affairs professionals, her colleagues are working to raise $3,500 for the NASPA Foundation. Those interested can make a gift in her honor. 

"This recognition is incredibly well deserved," Cabal said, "and I’m proud to celebrate Jenn and the lasting impact she continues to have on our profession."