New deans to guide student success, workforce pathways at Hawaiʻi CC

Carrie Mospens

Jace Saplan

Hawai‘i Community College is welcoming two new academic leaders who bring deep commitment, experience and vision to the college: longtime faculty member Carrie Mospens as dean of career and technical education (CTE), and Hilo native Jace Saplan as dean of liberal arts and sciences.

Carrie Mospens

After nearly two decades at Hawai‘i CC, Mospens steps into her new role as dean of CTE, where she will oversee programs that prepare students for careers vital to Hawai‘i Island’s economy. She joined the college in 2010 and has served as an instructor, associate professor, English department chair and interim dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

“Throughout my years at Hawai‘i CC, I’ve seen firsthand the resilience, determination and transformation of our students,” said Mospens. “Stepping into this role allows me to continue supporting them in new ways, helping ensure they have the tools and pathways to succeed in careers that benefit both themselves and our community.”

Her leadership emphasizes place-based, hands-on learning that responds to industry needs. “My vision is to forge accessible and responsive programming that empowers our students to fulfill their aspirations through pathways rooted in partnerships and innovation,” she explained.

Chancellor Susan Kazama said, “Carrie’s long service at Hawai‘i CC reflects her unwavering commitment to student success and community engagement. As dean of Career and Technical Education, she will help strengthen pathways that connect our students to meaningful careers.”

Jace Saplan

Liberal arts and sciences is Hawaiʻi CC’s largest academic unit. A graduate of Kamehameha Schools Hawai‘i Campus, Saplan brings national experience to the dean’s post, having served as senior director of Identity and Belonging at Whitman College and in faculty and leadership roles at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and other institutions.

“I was drawn to this role because it brings together knowledge, culture and opportunity,” Saplan said. “The liberal arts and sciences help students to ideate their kuleana (responsibility) to ʻāina (land), self and the community at large. In my role, I look forward to collaborating with our faculty to ensure that our students thrive.” 

Kazama said, “Jace brings a strong vision for academic excellence, and a deep respect for our kauhale (village) and the cultural values that ground our college. We look forward to the positive impact his leadership will have on our students, faculty and community.”