Shari Crittendon, a native New Yorker, has assumed the role of vice president and general counsel at Fordham University, effective August 19.

With a wealth of experience in higher education law, including positions at the Constitutional Law Center for Muslims in America and the United Negro College Fund, Crittendon is poised to navigate the complexities of legal issues facing educational institutions.

Crittendon’s commitment to education is deeply rooted in her upbringing; she spent significant time with her grandmother, a teacher at Tuskegee University.

“Being part of institutions that prepare students to better the world is the greatest job ever,” she expressed.

In her new position, Crittendon is particularly drawn to Fordham’s Jesuit mission of educating for justice and is eager to address pressing issues in higher education, such as the implications of last year’s Supreme Court decision on affirmative action.

She believes Fordham can serve as a model for diversity within the legal framework established by the ruling.

Crittendon also highlighted emerging legal challenges in education, such as the role of artificial intelligence in student work and the need for students to understand their First Amendment rights while engaging in expressive activities on campus.

Among her career achievements, Crittendon played a key role in establishing the Gates Millennium Scholars Program, which aids low-income students from underrepresented backgrounds, and successfully lobbied for significant funding for historically Black colleges and universities.

Crittendon enjoys the diversity of legal issues encountered in higher education, from contract negotiations to constitutional matters.

She views her role at Fordham as a unique opportunity to collaborate with leadership and contribute to shaping the future of the institution.