Cal Poly Pomona Announces Ombuds

After a year-long national search, California State Polytechnic University in Pomona has selected Mark Patterson as its Director of Conflict Resolution Services and University Ombuds, beginning January 6, 2025. He will report to the University President and will lead the development of a new program for students, faculty, and staff as part of the newly created organizational unit of People, Culture, and Institutional Affairs. The position reports directly to the university's president. 

An email from Cal Poly's President touted Patterson's extensive experience:

Most recently, he served as ombuds officer at CSU Channel Islands, where he established a new office to support over 8,000 eligible campus visitors. Over five years, Mr. Patterson provided confidential conflict resolution services, facilitated group discussions and developed innovative educational programs. His leadership extended to the President’s Advisory Council for Exclusive Excellence where he implemented campus-wide equity initiatives, including the creation of an “Equity Lens Framework” for policy review.

Previously, Mr. Patterson served as University Ombuds at the College of William & Mary, where he reinvigorated the university’s conflict resolution programs. He also served as a judge advocate in the U.S. Air Force for over two decades, during which he provided legal counsel globally and developed expertise in negotiation, ethics and organizational leadership....

Patterson served as the Interim Ombuds for Cal State Monterey Bay and is also a member of the IOA Board of Directors.

Related posts: Cal Poly Pomona Signs Ombuds Charter; Cal Poly Pomona Will Not Replace Retiring University Ombuds; Cal Poly Pomona Faculty Urge Restoration of Ombuds Office; Job Posting (2023); Cal Poly Pomona Continuing Search for Next Ombuds; Cal Poly Pomona Offers Educational Series to Prepare for Ombuds Search; Job Re-Posting; California State Monterey Bay Names Interim Ombuds.