Alyssa (Reilly) Boucher
Advisor, Waterbury Campus

Alyssa (Reilly) Boucher spent 16 years as a social worker before transitioning to higher education at CT State Community College. Currently serving as an Academic Advisor and First Year Experience (FYE) Coordinator on UConn’s Waterbury campus, Alyssa specializes in supporting honors and Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) students ensuring specialized guidance tailored to their unique goals and challenges. Bringing together a background in social work and a passion for education, Alyssa is committed to empowering students, promoting equity, and helping everyone reach their full potential.

Michael Downs
Advisor, Storrs Campus

Mike Downs has worked in higher education for over a decade and joined UConn in 2022 as an Academic Advisor for CAHNR and the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture. He previously held advising and student support roles at the College of the Holy Cross, Eastern Connecticut State University, Central Connecticut State University, and Dynamy Internship Year.

Student-centered and collaborative, Mike helps students navigate academic decisions and shape a path aligned with their interests and goals. Since becoming involved with the BGS program in late 2025, he has enjoyed contributing to a degree pathway known for its flexibility, accessibility, and real‑world relevance. “The BGS program’s flexibility and customization empowers students at all stages of life to finish their degree with purpose and graduate prepared for diverse career opportunities.”

Mike holds a BS in Communication from Eastern Connecticut State University and an MS in Counselor Education & Student Development from Central Connecticut State University. If you are interested in pursuing the BGS degree on the Storrs campus, please contact Mike.

Jennifer Testin
Advisor, Stamford Campus

After eight years as an academic advisor at UConn Stamford, Jennifer Testin now serves as the Assistant Director for Academic Advising for UConn Stamford. During her time at UConn Jennifer has worked very closely with her peers from all areas of advising across all campuses and is excited to join the Bachelor of General Studies advising team. “BGS is an amazing opportunity for students to finish what they started. It allows great flexibility and promotes student success. I’m really looking forward to working with students via this program.”

Jennifer holds a BA in Psychology from SUNY College at Buffalo and an MS is College Student Personnel Administration from Canisius College in Buffalo, NY. After spending 6 years working in Student Activities at St. John’s University in NYC, Jennifer joined the UConn family in 2012.