UNM Center for Teaching and Learning hosts dialogue on disability and academia

Presidential Teaching Fellow Marissa Greenberg invites UNM faculty to explore the intersections of disability and academia through a series of conversations, beginning Monday, Sept. 29. These conversations, hosted by the Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), are for all UNM faculty who seek a community in which to talk, listen, and share experiences of, and aspirations for, the past, present and future of disability and academia.

Greenberg is a current (2025-2027) Presidential Teaching Fellow, an award coordinated by the Teaching Enhancement Committee (CTL) that promotes excellence in teaching by establishing a core group of faculty who receive the highest recognition for their effective teaching. Fellows also carry a special responsibility for ensuring teaching excellence by sharing their expertise with the University community. The conversations about disability and academia are part 1 of Greenberg's fellowship project, titled "Academic Pipelines for Lobos with Disabilities."

"'Academic Pipelines for Lobos with Disabilities' is inspired by my experiences as an advocate and educator at UNM," said Greenberg, who is an associate professor of English. "The roots of ableism in higher education run deep, as I know from working remotely with chronic illness."

Greenberg has chosen a series of very short readings to energize and organize the conversations. The virtual conversations will be held on the last Monday of each month beginning in September from 10 to 11 a.m. (MT).

The schedule:

• Sept. 29: "How a Blind Astronomer Found a Way to Hear the Stars" by Wanda Díaz-Merced (listen to the TED Talk)
• Oct. 27: "When You Are Waiting to Be Healed" by June Eric-Udorie
• Nov. 24: "Six Ways of Looking at Crip Time" by Ellen Samuels

Individuals may opt to compose their own stories inspired by the readings or may opt to come to the meetups with reactions to the readings. Participation is sought from attendees, whichever option they choose.

Interested attendees must register to receive the Zoom link and readings. The list of registrants will not be shared or retained.

Greenberg is an internationally recognized scholar in early modern English literature with an extensive record of publications. She is also an award-winning teacher and an emerging leader in social justice teaching and learning. Her current research focuses on literary depictions of bodies in motion and on inclusive pedagogies in the literature classroom.

Greenberg serves as Special Advisor to the Vice President of the Division for Change and Empowerment (DiCE) on Disability Affairs. In 2024-2025 Greenberg completed New Mexico Partners in Policymaking, a program coordinated by UNM Center for Development and Disability. She also recently served a two-year Academic Faculty Leadership Fellowship where she laid the groundwork for addressing bias and harassment against faculty with disabilities. As Faculty Mentor for the Disabled Students Union, she is also keenly aware of the infrastructural and cultural barriers that students with disabilities encounter on a regular basis.

"These barriers prevent some students from completing their degrees and put off others from pursuing careers in academia," said Greenberg. "To support students with disabilities, we must begin by supporting educators with disabilities."

For more information, visit Presidential Teaching Fellowship Project. Interested individuals may also contact Greenberg via email at [email protected].