Two Stony Brook University Faculty Named to 2026 Fellowship Class for SUNY Leadership Institutes

Two members of the Stony Brook University faculty were among the 29 people selected to the 2026 Fellowship Class for SUNY's Leadership Institutes.

The announcement by State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. followed the first in-person retreat for the 2026 Leadership Institute fellows, which took place in Albany.

"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," said King. "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 fellows from Stony Brook University are Susan Lee, MD and Jennie Williams. Lee is an associate professor of clinical medicine in the Renaissance School of Medicine and medical director of Stony Brook Primary Care. Williams is an associate professor in the Department of Family, Population and Preventive Medicine in the Renaissance School of Medicine and the Graduate Program in Genetics, and associate director for diversity, equity and inclusion at the Stony Brook Cancer Center.

SUNY's Leadership Institutes are designed for faculty and administrative professionals from all backgrounds on a leadership trajectory at their respective institutions who are committed to supporting the success of all students, including those who experience significant barriers to higher education. SUNY's Leadership Institutes incorporate the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Leadership Institute, Black Leadership Institute, Disability Support Leadership Institute, and Hispanic Leadership Institute.

Eligibility is open to all faculty and staff who have spent at least one year employed within the SUNY system, including SUNY's colleges and universities, and at least three years of higher education. Leadership institute fellow candidates are selected based on their proven leadership and administrative experience, and evidence of their dedicated pursuit toward a higher education career in administrative and leadership roles within SUNY.

The SUNY Leadership Institutes are open to any and all prospective candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, or sex, and are consistent with all current governing federal and state nondiscrimination law. All application submissions will be assessed and evaluated in accordance with the required eligibility criteria.