Liggins named Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice Fellow

Fellows Will Provide Support for Continued Implementation of SUNY's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion General Education Requirement

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. has announced the fourth cohort of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice Fellows (DEISJ).

Dr. Saundra Liggins, an associate professor in the Department of English at SUNY Fredonia, has been named to the cohort.

The fellows will use their interdisciplinary expertise to update and develop courses within SUNY's diversity, equity, and inclusion general education requirements, as well as strengthen the community of practice in the DEISJ field across SUNY's 64 colleges and universities.

“Diversity, equity, and inclusion are foundational values to SUNY's mission to remain an engine of upward mobility and student success for people from all backgrounds,” said SUNY Chancellor King. “The essential work of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice Fellows ensures students receive a well-rounded education. I extend my sincerest congratulations to this year's fellows.”

SUNY Trustee Marcos Crespo, chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, said, “The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice Fellows epitomize SUNY's commitment to providing access to an excellent education that upholds inclusion and diversity. The fellows' vast expertise and continued collaboration will advance the success of our students throughout their academic journeys and beyond.”

The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice Fellowship Program is open to all SUNY full-time faculty regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability status or any other protected class. All application submissions are assessed and evaluated in accordance with the required eligibility criteria.

There were nine fellows selected for the cohort from units throughout the SUNY system.

The 2026-2027 cohort of DEISJ fellows will:

• Develop an individual or collaborative project to support the teaching of DEISJ courses and topics.
• Gather and amplify resources for the development and teaching of General Education DEISJ courses to provide support for faculty across various disciplines system-wide.
• In coordination with the SUNY Office of the Provost, continue to survey the implementation of the DEISJ General Education requirement across the system and provide recommendations to the SUNY Office of the Provost.
• Offer directed support to faculty and campuses for developing and teaching courses that meet the DEISJ General Education requirement.
• Host regional workshops at community colleges to support the teaching of DEISJ.
• Facilitate other workshops or offer consultations upon campus and/or System Administration request.
• Participate in sustaining and growing a DEISJ community of practice.
• Collaborate with other Academic Affairs Fellows Programs to support intersections among the scope of responsibilities for each.

The DEISJ Fellows program is open to all current SUNY full-time faculty. Preference is given to applicants who are scheduled to teach a DEISJ-designated course during the 2026-27 academic year; have experience with General Education curriculum approval or assessment; have a record of working with organizations or initiatives on their home campus that demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; and professional experience with Title VI protections against discrimination and harassment.