February 15, 2013

University of South Florida Ombuds Retires and Office Closes

USF Student Ombudsman Samuel Wright, who has worked at the university for 27 years, retired this week. Les Miller, who directed the office, said that Wright, "many, many times above and beyond the call of duty." Miller said, "When they came in his office, he treated those students like they were his own kids." With the departure of Wright, office will close. (Tampa Bay Times.)

Wright was also honored by U.S. Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL) on the floor of the House. (Congressional Record.)

 Related posts: USF Ombuds to Dispense Student Relief Funds; University of South Florida Honors Student Ombuds; University of South Florida Ombuds Helps Students With Funds.
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2 comments:

  1. Anonymous2/20/2013 7:30 AM

    I do not wish to make a comment on either S. Wright or L. Miller in the particular, but when an ombuds leaves and the office closes (a not uncommon occurrence) I always wonder what effort was made at institutionalizing the function? If the role is only there because a certain person had wonderful skills, what does it say about the connectivity between the function and the institution. I would urge ombuds in all arenas to spend some time virtually every day thinking about, working on, connecting the function to host institution so it is valued, appreciated, and has a chance to endure after the current person in the role is done.

    -John Zinsser

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