Meet the Staff
Administrative Support
Lorene Hall-Jennings
Title: Executive Administrative Specialist
Email: lorenej@usf.edu
Lorene Hall-Jennings is the Executive Administrative Specialist in the Office of Graduate
Studies (OGS) at the University of South ÐßÐßÊÓƵ. In this role, she provides high-level
administrative support to Dr. Ruth Bahr, Dean of the Office of Graduate Studies, and offers collaborative support across
multiple OGS teams. Her work is integral to the smooth operation of the Dean’s Office
and the advancement of graduate education initiatives at USF.
Lorene joined the Office of Graduate Studies in June 2025, bringing with her over
30 years of experience in higher education at USF. Throughout her career, she has
held a variety of roles that have deepened her understanding of university operations
and student services. Her long-standing commitment to the institution and its mission
gives her a unique perspective on the evolving needs of students, faculty, and staff.
A proud USF alumna, Lorene earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
from the Muma College of Business. Her connection to the university extends beyond
her professional and academic achievements—two of her children and her mother are
USF graduates, and another child is currently pursuing a master's degree at the university.
This multi-generational bond with USF fuels her passion for supporting student success
and fostering a welcoming, inclusive academic environment.
Lorene is enthusiastic about contributing to the goals of the Office of Graduate Studies
and is dedicated to making a positive and lasting impact on the graduate student experience.
She values collaboration, integrity, and service, and is proud to be part of a team
that champions academic excellence and innovation. Go Bulls!
Stephanie Harper, Ph.D.
Title: Assistant Director, ETD & Writing Services
Email: stephanieha@usf.edu
Dr. Stephanie Harper is the Assistant Director of ETD and Writing Services in the Office of Graduate Studies. She joined OGS full-time in 2024 after working as the ETD Administrative Specialist for several years. Dr. Harper holds a BA in Fine Arts and earned her Ph.D. in English Literature at USF. She has over 10 years of editing, writing center, and writing instruction experience and helps graduate students align their manuscripts with USF’s institutional guidelines for thesis/dissertation publication.
Responsible for managing electronic thesis/dissertation (ETD) operations and processes, Dr. Harper develops and presents workshops on ETD processes, procedures, and formatting guidelines that assist students with the process. She also develops, organizes, and facilitates writing workshops and work groups relevant to graduate-level writing with a focus on collaborative discussion and practical application of strategies. She is available for one-on-one consultations on ETD formatting and sustainable writing strategies.
Laura Murphy, M.A.
Title: International TA Coordinator
Email: murphyl@usf.edu
Passionate about languages and intercultural communication, Laura Murphy, M.A. TESOL, brings over 25 years of experience teaching English as a Second Language to adult ÐßÐßÊÓƵers in the U.S. and internationally. Her work has included comprehensive support for international teaching assistants, including leading workshops and assessing oral English proficiency. Laura is committed to helping international students reach their academic goals while successfully adapting to new cultural and educational environments.
Gianna Taravella
Title: Web Content Administrator
Email: gtaravella@usf.edu
Gianna Taravella is the Web Content Administrator for the Office of Graduate Studies (OGS). Her work at USF includes management and branding of the OGS website and social media outlets, as well as direct involvement in graduate student support services. A Tampa native, she joined OGS after working in student administration and client-based marketing agencies. She received her B.A. in Communication and B.A. Advertising and Public Relations from The University of Tampa. Fun fact: Gianna is a former instructor and performer in Tampa Bay.
Brandon Dubois
Title: Graduate Assistant, OGS
Phone: (813) 974-2846
Email: grad-liaisonmail@usf.edu
Office: ALN 226
Brandon DuBois is a first-year master’s student in Criminology at the University of South ÐßÐßÊÓƵ. With a passion for forensic examination and mental health support within correctional facilities, Brandon serves as a Lab Supervisor at the Center for Justice Research and Policy, where he contributes to innovative research on justice reform. His academic and professional goals focus on advancing rehabilitation programs and forensic practices within the justice system.