State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. has announced the second cohort of the SUNY Accessibility Advocates and Allies Fellowship Program. SUNY Orange English Department Chair Alexandra Kay has been selected as one of 11 faculty fellows from across the SUNY system who will advance digital accessibility and Universal Design for Learning practices on their campuses.

As English Department Chair, Kay works at a critical point of student contact, since nearly every SUNY Orange student takes at least one English course. Her participation in the fellowship will help strengthen the learning environment in classes that span all majors and academic pathways.

She noted her involvement reflects both personal commitment and a collegewide priority. “Digital accessibility shapes how every student experiences their education, and it matters in every classroom,” Kay said. “I mainly teach distance learning courses, and it is important to ensure I am serving all my students. This fellowship will allow me to support practices that will have a wide and meaningful impact and bring what I learn back to the College to share with others.”

The SUNY Accessibility Advocates and Allies Fellowship Program supports faculty who collaborate to expand accessible teaching and technology practices. The new fellows will build on the work completed by the inaugural cohort that began in January 2025.