Meet the Center for Student Success Staff

Matthew Holsapple, Dean of Student Success

As the Dean of Student Success, Matthew Holsapple is responsible for supervising the activities for the Center for Student Success at Husson University. The CSS provides students with a variety of helpful services. These include career services, accessibility services, international student services, orientations and seminars for first-year students, and tutoring and academic supports including the Tutoring and Writing Center, diversity support, and EagleWeek.

I have spent my career working in student support and student retention throughout the state of Maine and beyond. I believe very strongly in the value and power of education to transform the lives of students for the better, and I believe that the role of the CSS on our campus is to do our very best to provide every student with the support they need to achieve their goals and dreams.

I am a native Mainer, but I lived for many years in the Maritime provinces of Canada.  I have spent time overseas, teaching English in Japan, and I have a whole host of quirky interests and hobbies.

Taryn Carson, Director of Academic Services

My name is Taryn Carson. I am the Director of Academic Services in the Center for Student Success.  I oversee the advising of Undeclared and conditionally admitted students, and I coordinate the Husson Experience course.  Our staff works to support students in all aspects of their academics.  I have a Master's Degree in Peace and Development Studies from the University of Limerick and a Master's Degree in Applied Linguistics and English Language Teaching from the University of Nottingham. Though I’m a native of Minnesota, I spent nearly a decade living, working, and traveling in Asia and the Middle East.  My family and I moved to Maine in 2014.

Liz Atkinson, Director of Accessibility Services

As the Director of Accessibility Services at Husson, I work in the Center for Student Success with students and faculty to promote accessibility across campus for students with disabilities, barriers to learning, and students who require additional support during their educational journey.  Through a social justice lens, I work toward promoting access and inclusivity in and out of the classroom.  I found my way back to my home state after earning a Master’s degree in Education from Penn State’s Rehabilitation Counseling program and a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Women’s Studies from William Smith College in Geneva, NY.  Outside of Husson, I enjoy the outdoors, cooking, and creating stained glass art.

Kristin Tripp, Director of Title III

As the Director of Retention, I oversee all aspects of Husson University’s Title III grant project.  This includes the Title III advising office and initiatives across campus to support students and strengthen our institution. I have a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Maine and many years of experience in student support and retention at the high school level before coming to Husson. I enjoy getting to know students and individualizing strategies needed for college success. When away from work, I like reading, gardening, working out, and spending time with my husband and son and our two dogs, Izzy and Kona.

Meghann Peterson, Assistant Director of Academic Services

My name is Meghann Peterson and I am the Assistant Director of Academic Services. I work with undeclared and conditionally admitted students and students on academic sanctions. I also help to oversee the Tutor Center. I love my job and have a passion for supporting students and helping them to reach their goals. When I am not in my office I enjoy being outdoors, reading, and hanging out with my dog Jayne. I also spend a lot of time on hobbies I am passionate about but am definitely a novice at, including gardening, baking, and interior design.

Hale Roileacháin, Student Success Advisor

As a Student Success Advisor, I assist students with exploring their interests as well as declaring or changing their major. Along with advising I also teach sections of Husson Experience. I love having the opportunity to support students and help them reach their goals. I was raised in the Bangor area and graduated with my Bachelor’s from the University of Maine at Augusta before completing my Master's of Student Affairs and Higher Education at the University of Maine. In my previous role, I worked in the Office of International Programs at the University of Maine while completing my Master of Global Policy. When I’m off campus I enjoy spending time with my dog (Tsarina), volunteering as an English language tutor, and visiting other countries.

Rob Cannella, Student Success Advisor

As a Student Success Advisor, I work with graduate and professional students in the Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Pharmacy programs. I also help coordinate graduate tutoring and teach the Husson Experience course. Before coming to Husson, I worked as a writing center director, tutoring center director, and English instructor. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Merrimack College and a Master of Arts in English from New Mexico State University. When I’m not working, I like to read, play video games, and spend time with my animals.

Rebecca Liberty, Student Success Advisor

I grew up near San Francisco, California, but I fell in love with New England as a college student in western Massachusetts. After earning a BA in American Studies and returning to the West coast, I spent twenty years working to get back here after living in Washington, D.C., California, Hong Kong, and Nevada. I have always been fascinated by the ways people make life choices, become who they are, find a sense of belonging, and make a difference in the world. That fascination carries through years of pastoral ministry in Christian and multifaith communities, as well as work in higher education and nonprofit organizations.I'm delighted to have finally found my way to Maine in 2012 and now to Husson University. It's a privilege to work with the remarkable Center for Student Success team and help students discover and work toward their goals as valued members of the Husson community.

Candace Chase, Success Coach for Accessibility Services

As a Success Coach, I work within Accessibility Services to assist students with developing and refining skills and habits that can help them thrive in the college setting. I believe that education should be accessible to all and embrace diversity and individualism in regards to that. I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Husson University and after graduating in '21 I decided to start my professional career there as well. When I'm not working, I enjoy being outdoors and creating new crafts!