Meet Marshall Sunnes
What is your name?
Marshall Sunnes
What’s your job title?
Senior Digital Accessibility Specialist
Years/Months at NYU:
8 years
What’s your hometown?
Hawkeye, IA
What kind of projects do you work on?
I focus on making NYU’s websites and apps accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. My work ranges from reviewing vendor solutions and hands-on testing, to collaborating with developers on tough accessibility challenges. If it’s digital, I’m usually involved in some way.
Any advice for new administrators?
- If you work an office job, make it easy for people to talk to you. Use tools like Google Calendar Appointment Slots or Calendly to set aside times for chats, and put the link in your email signature when replying to colleagues. It cuts the back-and-forth and shows when you’re free to help. I’m consistently impressed with how my NYU colleagues come prepared and honor the time. You would think it would increase work, but often it saves work to talk things out with a time limit.
- Identify a few people who are doing a good job or look like they know what they are doing. Ask them for 10 minutes of their time. Come prepared with questions for them about how they do it and what made the difference for them. Let them know that if they ever have feedback for you, you would be grateful to get it.
What does a normal day look like for you?
Every day is different but always interesting. I meet smart and interesting people from NYU—admins streamlining processes, researchers with game-changing ideas, faculty focused on student growth, developers focused on accessibility, and students influencing big change. When not chatting, I dive into tech docs and testing for accessibility. I also get a lot of emails filled with smart questions and ideas.
What is your fondest memory in your time here?
There are many competing memories, but one stands out: I remember the first time that major accessibility issues were proactively fixed in an application a student needed to use. When I asked a student about the experience, they responded, “It was good.” While that might sound unremarkable, anyone in the field of Disability Services understands that an application functioning seamlessly—without frustration and requiring intervention—is what it’s all about. In that way, a simple, ordinary, and expected digital experience grants people the freedom to spend more time on what matters to them.
Is there an NYU benefit or perk that you use or think everyone should know about?
It’s worth repeating these:
- NYU Administrators, Faculty, and Staff: Tuition Remission
- NYU Students: Free Museum Access
Name your favorite spot on campus.
The area in and around Washington Square never disappoints with its variety and people-watching potential. Unless, of course, someone approaches you with a mic.
What are you currently reading?
Time Out of Joint by Philip K. Dick
When We Were Birds by Ayana Lloyd Banwo
What is your go-to app on your phone right now?
TikTok with “STEM” feed enabled.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee
Describe yourself in only three words.
Curious. Receptive. Pragmatic.
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