I’m pleased to introduce Jason Smith, Associate Professor of Public Health at Cal State East Bay who will serve as a 2021-22 ACE Fellow in the Office of the Chancellor. He earned his master’s degree in theology from Harvard Divinity School and law degree from Northeastern University. His academic work and teaching are in the areas of bioethics and public health law. Jason was selected for this opportunity through the competitive national ACE Fellow process and he selected three possible host institutions for his fellowship before identifying UC Santa Cruz as his top choice.
The ACE Fellows Program facilitates professional development and deep learning about crucial topics in higher education through one-year placements at partner institutions. These fellowships elevate the fellow and the host institution as we share ideas and learn from one another. ACE Fellows typically go on to continued service in higher education as chief executive officers, chief academic officers, other cabinet-level positions, and deans.
Jason’s focus for the fellowship will be on the ways higher education institutions are working to be resilient in the face of the climate crisis and the ways a commitment to social justice informs those resilience strategies. You can expect to see Jason in a range of leadership and planning meetings and engaging in campus life. Jason will also be engaging with campus leaders one-on-one and in groups to learn more about their roles and leadership trajectories. You can contact Jason directly at jsmith58@ucsc.edu.
Please join me in welcoming Jason to UC Santa Cruz!
