Ashley Liegi Named to SUNY’s Second Cohort of Civil Discourse and Civic Education & Engagement Fellows

Ashley Liegi, assistant director of Stony Brook University's Center for Civic Justice, is one of 10 members of the second cohort of the State University of New York (SUNY) Civil Discourse and Civic Education and Engagement Fellowship Program.

The 10 fellows were selected to promote civil discourse among students, faculty, and staff throughout campus communities and to advance SUNY's commitment to civic engagement as an essential outcome of higher education.

"Empowering students to become well-rounded, engaged citizens is an important part of SUNY's commitment to academic excellence," said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. in announcing the second cohort. "It is essential for a strong democracy that people are not only civically engaged but are also able to communicate and even disagree in civil and appropriate ways. I offer my heartfelt appreciation and congratulations to the faculty fellows selected for this year's Civil Discourse and Civic Education and Engagement program and thank them for their dedication to building a stronger society for all."

"I am honored to be serving as a SUNY Civic Fellow for a second year, allowing me to continue to represent Stony Brook University in this space," said Liegi, who is one of three returning cohorts. "Working with colleagues from across SUNY to find ways to engage students, staff, and faculty across all of our campuses has been invaluable and a fulfilling extension of the work we have done at Stony Brook to institutionalize civic engagement and education."

"We are incredibly proud to have Ashley once again represent Stony Brook as a Civil Discourse and Civic Education and Engagement Fellow," said Vice President for Student Affairs Rick Gatteau. "Through her work with the Center for Civic Justice, she continues to empower students with the knowledge and tools they need to be active, informed participants in our democracy."

This year's fellows will:

• Support SUNY faculty, staff, and administration in preparation for the Fall 2026 implementation of the new core competency to advance civil discourse in the SUNY General Education Framework.
• Establish specific projects to advance civil discourse, civic education, and/or civic engagement.
• Gather and amplify resources to provide support for faculty and staff engaged in curricular and/or co-curricular work in the above areas.
• Offer directed support to faculty, staff, and campuses on issues related to civil discourse, civic education, and civic engagement.
• Participate in sustaining and growing a community of practice around these topics.

The Center for Civic Justice strives to provide all students with equal access to the democratic process: from voter education and registration, to voter organization and mobilization. With a core value of civic education and engagement, it provides tools for SBU students to feel empowered to advocate for themselves and their community through civic participation, volunteerism, and activism. It also operates the Seawolves Pantry, which provides students, staff, and faculty with resources to address food insecurity.

The SUNY Board of Trustees said, "SUNY is leading the way in investing in meaningful programs to increase opportunities for participation in civil discourse and civic engagement for its students, thanks to the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the State Legislature. We celebrate the accomplishments of this year's fellows and congratulate each of them for taking on this important work."