California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB) has reappointed Dr. Jess Block Nerren as the Faculty Fellow for Disability Inclusion, a role that was pioneering within the California State University (CSU) system when first established in 2023. Now in its third year, the fellowship continues to drive disability inclusion efforts across the university and the broader CSU system, which serves over 461,000 students, making it the largest and most diverse university system in the United States.
The Faculty Fellow for Disability Inclusion is critical in fostering an inclusive academic environment. Dr. Nerren’s responsibilities include faculty-to-faculty mentoring, group learning opportunities, individual peer coaching, and the development of tailored multimedia resources. These initiatives aim to enhance faculty awareness and effectiveness in accommodating students with disabilities, both at CSUSB and through statewide collaborations. A key aspect of this role is bridging Faculty Affairs and Student Affairs, ensuring full participation of units such as the Services to Students with Disabilities, which supports over 2,000 disabled students with accommodations and resources to achieve their academic and personal goals.
Dr. Nerren takes over from Dr. J. Chad Sweeney, the 2024-2025 fellow, who advanced disability inclusion topics and expanded the neurodiversity space on campus. Dr. Nerren expressed gratitude for Dr. Sweeney's contributions and looks forward to building on this foundation. Her background includes serving as Interim Faculty Director of the university's accommodations office and a faculty appointment in the Department of Communication and Media. She also authored a 2022 book on disability inclusion, underscoring her commitment to the cause. As a neurodivergent parent advocate, her personal and professional experiences enrich her approach to fostering an inclusive academic community.
This reappointment matters for HR vendors because it highlights the growing emphasis on disability inclusion in higher education, a trend that creates demand for accessible technology, training programs, and HR solutions tailored to support neurodiverse and disabled individuals. As universities like CSUSB invest in faculty development and inclusive practices, vendors can expect increased opportunities to provide tools for accommodation management, accessibility compliance, and inclusive learning platforms. The CSU system’s size amplifies the potential impact, making this a bellwether for similar initiatives nationwide.
