Susana Hernández

Dr. Susana Hernández is an esteemed Associate Professor in Higher Education Administration and Leadership at the Kremen School of Education and Human Development at Fresno State. With a distinguished academic background, she earned her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Iowa State University, an M.S. in Counseling from California State University, Long Beach, and a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology with a minor in Education from UC Irvine. Her academic journey has been marked by a commitment to understanding and improving educational systems. Dr. Hernández's research is deeply rooted in exploring educational opportunity through various lenses, including discourse, policy, and practice. She has a particular focus on Hispanic Serving Institutions and the experiences of undocumented immigrant students. Her work also extends to the preparation of educational leaders, aiming to foster environments that support diverse student populations and equitable access to education. In addition to her research, Dr. Hernández is actively involved in several professional organizations. She is a valued member of the Education Trust – West Educators Advisory Council and has participated in the UC Berkeley Executive Leadership Academy. Her dedication to leadership development is further exemplified by her involvement in the NASPA Emerging Faculty Leadership Academy and the University of Pennsylvania Center for MSI – Elevate Fellowship. Dr. Hernández's contributions to the field have been recognized through numerous awards. She has been honored with the Iowa State College of Human Sciences Young Alumni Award, highlighting her early career achievements. At Fresno State, she has been acknowledged as an Outstanding Advisor by the Campus Advisors Network and received the Promising New Faculty Award, underscoring her impact on both students and colleagues. Her commitment to education extends beyond her research and teaching. Dr. Hernández is passionate about creating inclusive educational environments and advocating for policies that support underrepresented students. Her work continues to influence the field of higher education, inspiring future leaders and shaping the discourse around educational equity and access.