Jen Hazel is a Professor of English at Owens Community College, where she has served for 18 years. She teaches a broad range of courses, including Creative Writing, English Composition, Mass Media, Media Influencing, World Religions, Honors English, Literature, and Business and Technical Writing. As a published poet, she is committed to supporting emerging writers and advancing creative expression within the academic community.

Professor Hazel has led numerous academic and institutional initiatives aimed at improving student success, strengthening curriculum, and enhancing campus and community engagement. Her past work includes revitalizing the advising program; developing a comprehensive new student orientation; expanding mentoring opportunities for students; and co-leading the development of a co-requisite Composition I model with accompanying professional development workshops for faculty. More recently, she co-created the Oregon Road Film Series with another professor, which includes the annual ORFS Film Challenge, and she oversees the publication of The Silo, a creative arts journal featuring student and alumni work. In partnership with the Library Director, she also co-founded and leads The BIG Read, a campus- and community-wide initiative designed to foster dialogue and promote diverse perspectives through literature.

In addition to her instructional and creative work, Professor Hazel leads campus-wide student learning assessment efforts to ensure alignment with accreditation standards and, most importantly, to promote meaningful evidence of student learning across disciplines. She also serves as the Humanities Department Faculty Fellow, during which she developed three new academic certificate programs, including the Media Influencer Certificate.

Throughout her career, Professor Hazel has remained dedicated to fostering transformative learning experiences. She values the opportunity to guide students toward discovery, growth, and what she describes as their “Ah-ha!” moments—particularly those that emerge through writing, creativity, and critical inquiry.