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Mellon Fellows

HERS and the Mellon Foundation proudly recognize Mellon Fellows. An accomplished group of leaders shaping the future of the humanities in higher education. This page showcases Mellon Fellows who have been awarded, honouring their roles, institutions, and the strength of each cohort.

Who are Mellon Fellows?

Mellon Fellows are leaders from humanities disciplines at underrepresented institution types, including community colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-Serving Institutions, tribal colleges, and theological seminaries. Given financial support to attend the HERS Leadership Institute (HLI), these individuals have demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion within the higher education workforce.

Alison Moore

Assistant Professor of Voice
Northeastern State University

HERS Leadership Institute (HLI)

Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
2026

Allison Upshaw

Interim Director of Honors and Interdisciplinary Studies
Stillman College

HERS Leadership Institute (HLI)

Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
2026

Anju Reejhsinghani

Vice Chancellor, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
University of California, Santa Cruz

HERS Leadership Institute (HLI)

Charles River Campus of UMass Amherst, Newton, MA
2025

Bernadette Ludwig

Assistant Dean, Macricostas School of Arts & Sciences
Western Connecticut State University

HERS Leadership Institute (HLI)

Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
2025

Brittany Tullis

Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
St. Ambrose University and Mount Mercy University

HERS Leadership Institute (HLI)

Butler University, Indianapolis, IN
2025

Carola Daffner

Associate Professor of German Studies and Chair
University of Dayton

HERS Leadership Institute (HLI)

Butler University, Indianapolis, IN
2025

Cheryl Price

Professor and Associate Dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering
University of North Alabama

HERS Leadership Institute (HLI)

Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
2026

Elissa Zellinger

Associate Professor and Associate Chair of English
Texas Tech University

HERS Leadership Institute (HLI)

Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
2026

Emily Murai

Faculty Director and Continuing Lecturer
University of California, Santa Cruz

HERS Leadership Institute (HLI)

Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
2026

Erin Bauer

Dean of Arts, Culture, & Society
Arapahoe Community College

HERS Leadership Institute (HLI)

Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
2026

Gretchen Renshaw

Associate Provost for Administration & Budget
Hendrix College

HERS Leadership Institute (HLI)

Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
2026

Jackie Fay

Interim Vice Provost for Faculty Success; Professor of English
University of Texas at Arlington

HERS Leadership Institute (HLI)

Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
2026

Jennifer Nish

Graduate Director & Associate Professor
Michigan Technological University

HERS Leadership Institute (HLI)

Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
2026

Jennifer Prough

Dean of Christ College--The Honors College
Valparaiso University

HERS Leadership Institute (HLI)

Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
2026

Jessica Brandt

Associate Dean for Curriculum and Enrollment Management
Montclair State University

HERS Leadership Institute (HLI)

Airlie, Warrenton, VA
2025

Julia Kiernan

Director, Center for Teaching and Learning
Lawrence Technological University

HERS Leadership Institute (HLI)

Charles River Campus of UMass Amherst (Mt. Ida)
2026

Kris McAbee

Director, School of Literary and Performing Arts
University of Arkansas at Little Rock

HERS Leadership Institute (HLI)

Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
2026

Kristen Lillvis

Dean of the College of Liberal Arts
Metro State University

HERS Leadership Institute (HLI)

Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
2026

Lauren Cedeño

Associate Dean
William Paterson University

HERS Leadership Institute (HLI)

Charles River Campus of UMass Amherst (Mt. Ida)
2025

Lissa Bollettino

Professor and Chair of History; Director of the Center for Excellence in Learning, Teaching, Scholarship, and Service; Faculty Fellow to the Dean of the College of Arts & Humanities
Framingham State University

HERS Leadership Institute (HLI)

Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
2026

Meghan McInnis-Dominguez

Professor of Spanish
University of Delaware

HERS Leadership Institute (HLI)

Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
2025

Nahed Eltantawy

Dean and Professor of Journalism
High Point University

HERS Leadership Institute (HLI)

Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
2025

Rebecca Townsend

Associate Director of Assessment
Holyoke Community College

HERS Leadership Institute (HLI)

Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
2025

Sharon Emmerichs

Associate Professor
University of Anchorage Alaska

HERS Leadership Institute (HLI)

Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
2025

Sonia Perez-Villanueva

Vice Provost of Liberal Arts and Business & The Professional Learning Network
Lesley University

HERS Leadership Institute (HLI)

Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
2025

Tamara Falicov

Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences
University of Missouri-Kansas City

HERS Leadership Institute (HLI)

Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
2025

Tisha Brooks

Associate Dean and Professor of English
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

HERS Leadership Institute (HLI)

Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
2026

Interested in becoming a fellow?

Apply to participate in the Weekend or Summer HERS Leadership Institute (HLI) and explore fellowship opportunities for humanities leaders.
Click the buttons below to learn more about the HLI or review the requirements to become a fellow.

Learn About HLIFellowship Requirements