June 29, 2020

University of Denver to Close Ombuds Program on Retirement of Jenna Brown

The private university in Colorado abruptly announced that it will discontinue its Ombuds position at the end of the June. Jenna Brown, who established the position in 1999, will retire and there are no plans to find a replacement. 

An announcement from DU's Chief of Staff recounted Brown's effective work at DU and significant professional reputation and achievements:

In addition to the impact she made at DU, Jenna has been a leader and driver of the ombuds profession around the globe. An elected member of the board of directors of the European Network of Ombuds in Higher Education, Jenna was also a frequent presenter representing DU at professional conferences in the U.S. and abroad.
Jenna has published several peer-reviewed articles and papers in professional journals, including the Journal of the California Caucus of College and University Ombuds, the Journal of the International Ombudsman Association, and the European Network of Ombuds in Higher Education.
During her time at DU, Jenna has hosted domestic and international study groups about important topics in higher education, such as approaches to communication, effective complaint handling and resolution, trauma-informed practices, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Jenna is also the recipient of the Pete Small Award, the highest award conferred by the California Caucus of College and University Ombuds, for substantive contributions to the caucus, demonstrated excellence in academic ombudsing, and in recognition by fellow ombuds as a leader who has advanced the profession.
Jenna will be deeply missed and I hope you will join us in wishing her all the very best in the next chapter of her life’s journey.
(DU News.)

On a personal note: Jenna was an instructor for my first Ombuds training in 2004. Her kind assistance as I searched for my first position was an inspiration for this blog.

Related posts: University of Denver Hosts Panel of Ombuds; Webinar to Feature Ombuds from University of Denver and University of Connecticut; Landmark Study Compares University Ombuds Internationally; Radio Ombudsman Hosts University of Denver Ombuds for Podcast; ENOHE Publishes Proceedings of 2019 Conference in Spain.

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