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, a role she previously held in the 2023-2024 academic year. This position, now in its third year, represents a pioneering effort within the California State University system to foster disability inclusion and awareness. The California State University System, the largest and most diverse in the United States, serves over 461,000 students, making this initiative a significant step toward inclusivity in higher education.

The Faculty Fellow for Disability Inclusion plays a crucial role in providing faculty-to-faculty mentoring, group learning opportunities, and individual peer coaching, among other services. Dr. Nerren's work is instrumental in raising awareness among faculty about effective methods to accommodate students with disabilities, not only at California State University San Bernardino but also in collaborations across the state. A unique aspect of this role is its facilitation of collaboration between Faculty Affairs and Student Affairs, ensuring the full participation of key university units such as Services to Students with Disabilities, which supports over 2,000 disabled students.

Dr. Nerren succeeds Dr. J. Chad Sweeney, the 2024-2025 fellow, who made significant contributions to disability inclusion, particularly in the expansion of the neurodiversity space at the university. Dr. Nerren expressed gratitude for Dr. Sweeney's efforts and looks forward to building on his work to further advance disability inclusion.

With a background as Interim Faculty Director of the university's accommodations office and a full-time faculty appointment in the Department of Communication and Media, Dr. Nerren brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role. Her scholarly contributions, including editing and authoring a book on disability inclusion, underscore her commitment to this cause. As a neurodivergent parent advocate, Dr. Nerren's personal and professional experiences enrich her approach to fostering an inclusive academic environment.

This reappointment underscores California State University San Bernardino's dedication to creating an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all students, setting a precedent for other institutions to follow. The implications of this initiative extend beyond the university, offering a model for disability inclusion in higher education nationwide.