Ombuds Office adds staff to serve campus needs
LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas’ Ombuds Office welcomes Herschenia Brown as the inaugural full-time associate ombuds. She brings extensive experience in dispute resolution and a dedication to promoting a supportive campus environment. Brown's appointment expands the Ombuds Office’s ability to support the Jayhawks Rising initiative of creating healthy and vibrant communities that empower individuals to lead enriched lives and contribute positively to the world.
The need to grow the capacity of the Ombuds Office can be affirmed by information shared in the 2022 Ombuds Office Annual Report, where the overall number of visitors supported by the team increased 15% from 2021 for a total of 192 people, comprising 254 visits. Further details about how the KU Ombuds Office functions can be found in the office’s charter, which was updated in 2022.
“We are thrilled to have Herschenia join our team,” said Ada Emmett, university ombuds. “Her extensive experience in conflict management and employee wellness and her drive and commitment to serving the community as an ombuds will support the expansion and range of services our office can provide. Herschenia will be an essential component of this growth and deepening of our capacity.”
In Brown’s professional experience as the owner of In Agreement Dispute Resolution LLC, she has served as an organizational ombuds, practicing in accordance with the International Ombuds Association Standards of Practice, facilitating productive conversations and providing valuable guidance to individuals and organizations. She holds a graduate certificate in dispute resolution from Pepperdine University, Master of Business Administration and bachelor’s degree in technical management. She also has worked as a mediator for civil conflicts in Dallas and Tarrant counties in Texas, using shuttle diplomacy to resolve disputes. Brown has shown a strong commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and has in-depth knowledge of workplace issues.
“Being an associate ombuds allows me the opportunity to support a number of constituents in an already well-developed ombuds program at KU,” Brown said. “I am grateful to be part of a dynamic team, and I’m looking forward to enhancing our system with my fellow colleagues.”
Mike Rozinsky, who has worked as a part-time associate ombuds since April 2021, will continue to support the Ombuds Office through mid-October as Brown transitions into her position. Rozinsky's skills in organizational development and conflict resolution, in partnership with Emmett, have played a crucial role in facilitating dialogues and training sessions, as well as strengthening partnerships with other units across the university. With Rozinsky, Brown and Emmett’s ongoing dedication and teamwork, the Ombuds Office will continue its momentum and further promote collaborative efforts across the university community.
The Ombuds Office has also had the support of a part-time administrative associate. Ellen Slikker served in that role for nearly six years. She recently completed her MPA and will join the Kansas Legislative Division of Post Audit as an associate performance auditor. The Ombuds Office will fill the part-time administrative position soon.
About the Ombuds Office
KU’s Ombuds Office is recognized as one of the long-standing ombuds offices in the United States, with a history spanning over 46 years. Since its establishment, it has been an essential resource in supporting students, staff and faculty in navigating challenges related to their academic or professional experiences at KU. The office's commitment to confidentiality ensures that individuals can openly discuss their concerns — having an “off the record” conversation — while its impartiality guarantees a fair and unbiased process for all parties involved.
The Ombuds Office's offers confidential and informal guidance in a private, nonthreatening setting that is not part of any formal KU complaint or investigative processes. By maintaining such independence, the office provides visitors with the freedom to explore their experiences without immediate institutional intervention.
The Ombuds Office encourages members of the KU community to make appointments for confidential consultations, facilitated dialogues, or to participate in workshops and trainings. Individuals seeking assistance can contact the office by email or 785-864-7261.