Jane Ellen Reid was recently appointed the first University Ombuds for Washington and Lee and brings considerable experience in dispute resolution to the job. “We are fortunate to have someone with Jane Ellen Reid’s expertise to provide this new resource for W&L faculty and staff,” said W&L President Ken Ruscio.
Reid earned her BA in history from the University of Vermont and an ME from Northern Arizona University. She is completing PhD in conflict analysis and resolution from NOVA Southeastern University. Reid developed and directed the Ombuds program at Central Arizona College in the 1990’s. A faculty member at Eastern Mennonite University since 2006, Reid became the director of EMU’s mediation, facilitation and job-coaching program for faculty, staff and students in 2007. She also teaches introduction to conflict transformation at Bridgewater College, in Bridgewater, Va. (Rockbridge Weekly.)
Related post: Washington & Lee Unveils Ombuds Office.
Many small institutions are unable to sustain a full-time Ombuds and ask a current employee to take the additional duties (i.e. wear "two hats"). Unfortunately, this can lead to a perceived loss of confidentiality, independence, neutrality or informality. W&L is fortunate to have found someone with experience who will split time with another institution and avoid the two hat problem.
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