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

Dr. Jess Block Nerren has been reappointed as the Faculty Fellow for Disability Inclusion at California State University San Bernardino, marking a continued effort to enhance disability inclusion awareness and action within the university. This role, now in its third year, represents a pioneering initiative within the California State University system, the largest and most diverse in the United States, serving over 461,000 students.

The Faculty Fellow for Disability Inclusion plays a crucial role in providing faculty-to-faculty mentoring, group learning opportunities, and tailored resources to support students with disabilities. Dr. Nerren's work is instrumental in raising awareness among faculty about effective accommodation methods, thereby ensuring the full participation of disabled students in academic life. Her efforts also facilitate collaboration between Faculty Affairs and Student Affairs, integrating services like the Services to Students with Disabilities office, which supports over 2,000 disabled students.

Taking over from Dr. J. Chad Sweeney, the outgoing fellow, Dr. Nerren acknowledges the significant contributions of her predecessor in advancing disability inclusion and neurodiversity initiatives. Dr. Sweeney's work has laid the groundwork for the expansion of neurodiversity spaces on campus, a project he will continue to support in the coming year.

Dr. Nerren's reappointment underscores California State University San Bernardino's dedication to creating an inclusive and accessible educational environment. Her extensive experience and scholarly contributions to disability inclusion, including her role as editor of a seminal book on the subject, further enrich the university's efforts to accommodate and empower students with disabilities.