Two faculty members from Stony Brook University have been named to the 2026 Fellowship Class for SUNY’s Leadership Institutes. The announcement was made by State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. after the first in-person retreat for the new fellows, which took place in Albany.
Chancellor King stated, “Part of our mandate is to ensure that every student has the ability to grow, thrive, and unleash their full potential through the education and experience at the SUNY institution of their choice. Through the strong support of Governor Kathy Hochul and state leaders, SUNY is able to uphold our core values and empower our emerging leaders to soar to new heights. I applaud these fellows for their dedication to uplifting every SUNY student, and I know that they will serve as an inspiration to students, faculty, and staff alike.”
The two Stony Brook honorees are Susan Lee, MD, associate professor of clinical medicine in the Renaissance School of Medicine and medical director of Stony Brook Primary Care; and Jennie Williams, associate professor in the Department of Family, Population and Preventive Medicine in the Renaissance School of Medicine and Graduate Program in Genetics. Williams also serves as associate director for diversity, equity and inclusion at the Stony Brook Cancer Center.
SUNY’s Leadership Institutes provide leadership development opportunities for faculty and administrative professionals who are committed to supporting all students’ success—including those facing significant barriers to higher education. The institutes include programs focused on Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander; Black; Disability Support; and Hispanic leadership.
To be eligible for selection as a fellow, candidates must have worked within any part of the SUNY system—including its colleges or universities—for at least one year and have a minimum of three years’ experience in higher education. Selection is based on demonstrated leadership abilities and commitment to advancing a career in administration or leadership within SUNY.
The program is open without regard to race, color, national origin or sex, aligning with federal and state nondiscrimination laws. Applications are evaluated according to established eligibility criteria.
