California State University San Bernardino Reappoints Dr. Jess Block Nerren as Faculty Fellow for Disability Inclusion

California State University San Bernardino has reaffirmed its dedication to disability inclusion by reappointing Dr. Jess Block Nerren as the Faculty Fellow for Disability Inclusion. This role, now entering its third year, was a pioneering initiative within the California State University system when it was first established in 2023. Serving over 461,000 students, the system's size and diversity amplify the significance of the fellowship's impact on creating an inclusive academic environment.

The Faculty Fellow for Disability Inclusion is instrumental in enhancing faculty awareness and effectiveness in accommodating students with disabilities. Through faculty-to-faculty mentoring, group learning opportunities, individual peer coaching, and the development of tailored multimedia resources, the fellowship aims to bridge gaps in disability inclusion. These efforts extend beyond California State University San Bernardino, fostering statewide collaborations to promote inclusivity.

A key feature of this position is its role in uniting Faculty Affairs and Student Affairs, ensuring the active participation of essential university units like the Services to Students with Disabilities. This office plays a critical role in supporting over 2,000 disabled students by providing necessary accommodations and creating an environment conducive to academic and personal growth.

Dr. Nerren succeeds Dr. J. Chad Sweeney, the 2024-2025 fellow, who has been pivotal in advancing disability inclusion and expanding the neurodiversity space on campus. Acknowledging Dr. Sweeney's contributions, Dr. Nerren is poised to build upon this foundation to further disability inclusion efforts. With her extensive background, including her role as Interim Faculty Director of the university's accommodations office and her faculty appointment in the Department of Communication and Media, Dr. Nerren brings a deep understanding and commitment to the cause. Her scholarly contributions, such as her 2022 book on disability inclusion, along with her personal experiences as a neurodivergent parent advocate, enrich her approach to fostering an inclusive academic community.