Jennifer Carhart is a first-generation Latina student and a native Spanish speaker. She is a proud graduate of both the California Community College and California State University (CSU) systems. She obtained an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree in Geography from Santa Ana College and then transferred to California State University, Fullerton, to earn her Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Geography. She then completed a Master of Science (M.S.) in Student Development and College Counseling and a Ph.D. in Higher Education at Azusa Pacific University.
Her extensive background in counseling and student support services spans various settings, including non-profit organizations, community colleges, and four-year institutions before her time at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). At CSUSB, Dr. Carhart held multiple advising and counseling roles, including as a Career Counselor at the Career Center and Coordinator (SSPIII) of the Health Professions Advising Center (HPAC). In this capacity, she assisted students applying to prestigious healthcare programs and professional schools. During the pandemic, she held dual roles as the HPAC Coordinator and the Interim University School Certifying Official (SSPIV-Consultant) for the Veteran Success Center. Eventually, she concluded her staff position as the Coordinator (SSPIV) of the University Honors Program.
Currently, Jennifer Carhart is an Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator for the Master of Science in Counseling program within the Department of Special Education, Rehabilitation, and Counseling at the Watson College of Education. In this role, she teaches professional and school counseling within the Counselor Education program.
Dr. Carhart currently serves as the CSU Systemwide Mental and Behavioral Health Professions Education Faculty Coordinator, where she leads system-level efforts to expand and diversify the mental and behavioral health workforce. She is also the faculty lead for the PATH Network, a CSU-initiated collaboration that began as a systemwide pre-health advising effort and has since grown to include K–12 counselors, educators, and community college faculty across institutions. The network connects professionals committed to supporting students pursuing healthcare careers and provides access to professional development opportunities in partnership with institutions such as CUSM, WesternU, and KGI.
Dr. Jennifer Carhart is dedicated to enhancing educational pathways for historically excluded groups in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine. Through her research, teaching, and service, she strives to create equitable opportunities for underrepresented students.
