Susana Hernández

Dr. Susana Hernández (She, her, ella) is an Associate Professor in Higher Education Administration and Leadership, Core Faculty Member in the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership, and Chair of the Department of Educational Leadership.

Dr. Hernández adopts critical frameworks and methods to examine educational opportunity in discourse, policy, and practice. Her research aims to interrogate institutional policies and practices to create more equitable educational experiences for underserved communities with a focus on Hispanic Serving Institutions, undocumented immigrant student experiences, and the preparation of educational leaders.

Dr. Hernández’s professional affiliations include: the Education Trust – West Educators Advisory Council, the UC Berkeley Executive Leadership Academy, the NASPA Emerging Faculty Leadership Academy, and the University of Pennsylvania Center for MSI – Elevate Fellowship.  Dr. Hernández is a recipient of the Iowa State College of Human Sciences Young Alumni Award, Fresno State Campus Advisors Network Outstanding Advisor, and the Fresno State Promising New Faculty Award.

Prior to becoming a professor, Dr. Hernández held several professional roles in higher education and students affairs across all 3 public systems of higher education in California. These roles included  working with high school students, community college students, undergraduate students, and families across the state of California.

Dr. Hernández is the daughter of Mexican immigrants from the state of Jalisco and grew up in the city of Inglewood, California. Her longstanding commitment to educational equity is demonstrated in the meaningful ways she incorporates her family’s history into her daily practice as a scholar and educator.