California State University Channel Islands Names First Ombuds

The growing public university in Ventura County has selected Mark Patterson as its first Ombuds Officer, starting July 15, 2019. Patterson has been the University Ombuds at the College of William & Mary in Virginia since January 2018. Here is the announcement from CSUCI President Erika D. Beck:

After an extensive nationwide search, I am pleased to announce that Mark Patterson will be joining CSUCI as our inaugural Ombuds Officer in July. 

Mark comes to us from the College of William and Mary where he currently serves as University Ombuds. In this role he provides dispute resolution, mediation services and workshops to enhance conflict competency for more than 2,500 staff and faculty.

Mark is also a veteran, having served as an Air Force attorney (JAG), with assignments and responsibilities across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, and providing counsel to senior Department of Defense leaders worldwide. In addition, Mark has served as an Assistant Professor of Law and Academic Advisor at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Mark completed a Master of Laws in International Dispute Resolution at Fordham University, and earned his Juris Doctor degree from Duke University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marietta College.

Additionally, Mark holds a certification in mediation from the Justice Center of Atlanta and completed Foundations of Organizational Ombudsman Practice through the International Ombudsman Association (IOA). He currently serves as the co-chair for the IOA Conference Committee and volunteers on the American Bar Association Dispute Resolution Section Ombuds and Diversity Committees.

The CSUCI Ombuds Office will serve as a confidential, independent, impartial and informal resource for all staff and faculty navigating workplace concerns, conflict and policies. Anticipated services will include conflict coaching, option generation, shuttle diplomacy, facilitation, mediation, conflict management systems design, informal climate assessment, tailored workshops, and policy analysis. The Ombuds office will also provide online resources.

Mark’s combination of university and military service, volunteer work, and dispute resolution education constitute the experience and skills needed to establish, lead and grow our inaugural Ombuds Office. Please help me in welcoming Mark to campus.

Prior: College of William & Mary Names New Ombuds; Job Posting.