Raquel M. Rall, an associate professor and associate dean in UCR’s School of Education, has been selected as one of seven scholars nationwide for the inaugural Alliance Fellowship Program, a new initiative aimed at strengthening higher education’s role in American democracy.
The yearlong fellowship, launched by the Alliance for Higher Education, brings together experts from across the country to help shape policies and strategies that support colleges and universities as centers of independent thought and opportunity.
Rall and the other fellows will work within the Alliance’s “Action Hubs,” collaborative groups focused on developing forward-looking approaches to major challenges facing higher education. Their work will include identifying priorities, connecting research with real-world policy, and creating practical tools such as model governance frameworks and policy recommendations.
“In this critical moment for American democracy, moving from research to practice is where meaningful change can happen,” Rall said. “I am eager to leverage my research in this collaborative space, turning scholarly insights into actionable strategies that work to ensure our colleges remain resilient, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of a diverse society.”
In a statement, Mike Gavin, president of the Alliance, said: "Higher education is the fifth pillar of democracy. The sector faces accelerating threats … that censor teaching, learning, and research. These fellows bring the scholarly insight necessary to help protect our institutional infrastructure and ensure campuses remain sites of independent thought and open inquiry.”
The Alliance focuses on three core principles: protecting the freedom to teach and research without censorship, ensuring institutional autonomy, and expanding equitable access and opportunity for students and educators.
Rall’s selection as a fellow reflects her extensive work on higher education leadership, governance, and equity. She is also receiving support from the ECMC Foundation and Higher Ed Forward.
At UCR’s School of Education, Rall serves as both an associate professor and the associate dean of strategic initiatives. She also holds leadership roles across the University of California system, including co-chairing the UC Black Administrators’ Council, and worked to establish the UC Online Advisory Council.
Her work focuses on how decision-making structures influence outcomes for students, with a focus on advancing diversity and inclusion in postsecondary systems.
Rall’s research has been widely published and supported by major foundations, including the Spencer
Foundation and the Gates Foundation. Her work has also been featured in national outlets such as The Chronicle of Higher Education and Inside Higher Ed.
The Alliance Fellowship Program began in April and will run for 12 months, with plans to bring in a new cohort of scholars each year.