Furman University’s Shaniece Criss, an associate professor of health sciences, was selected among 21 South Carolina leaders for the Liberty Fellowship’s Class of 2027. The Liberty Fellowship is an independent, values-based leadership organization committed to advancing the state of South Carolina on a local, national and global stage.
Since its founding in 2003, 350 Liberty Fellows have worked individually and collectively to confront some of society’s most difficult challenges. Together, they work toward creating a better South Carolina through seminars and individual projects that address economic prosperity, education equity, health outcomes, built and natural environments, talent cultivation and the state’s political and judicial systems.
Criss, who serves on the Travelers Rest City Council and directs Furman’s Master of Arts in Advocacy and Social Policy, is thrilled about what’s ahead as part of the Liberty Fellowship, a non-partisan 501 (c) (3) organization and a member of Aspen Institute’s Global Leadership Network.
“I look forward to learning alongside thoughtful leaders who care deeply about the future of South Carolina and are willing to engage complexity with openness, wisdom and action,” she said. “I’m especially excited for the opportunity to reflect more intentionally on what it means to lead well, strengthen communities and contribute meaningfully in this season of my life and leadership.”