The Ombuds Blog: University of Colorado Anschutz Names Ombuds

November 11, 2026

University of Colorado Anschutz Names Ombuds

Colin Johnson has been appointed the next Ombuds for the University of Colorado Anschutz. He succeeds Melissa Connell, who retired in December 2025 after serving as Ombuds for the CU Anschutz and CU Denver since 1997. Following her departure, the university announced that the two campuses would establish separate Ombuds offices, with the Anschutz office merging with the Office of Adaptive Resolution.

Johnson moved into the Ombuds role after serving as Assistant Director for Adaptable Resolutions at CU Anschutz. He also was the Conflict Resolution Coordinator at CU Boulder, where he facilitated trainings, provided conflict coaching and consultation, and conducted restorative justice and dialogue processes. He has also worked as an instructor with The Conflict Center and as an associate with Kearns & West. Johnson graduated from Marist University and earned a Master's in Conflict Resolution from the University of Denver. (LinkedIn.)

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Organizational Ombuds

Organizational Ombuds serve as a confidential, independent, neutral and informal dispute resolution resource for a specific entity. They are accessible to a defined population and can advocate for fairness. These unique characteristics distinguish Organizational Ombuds from Classical Ombuds, mediators, arbitrators, and other alternative dispute resolution professionals. The term "Ombuds" is shorthand for "Ombudsman," "Ombudsperson" and "Ombuds Officer," which also are used widely.

Some other variants include:

Brazil -- Ouvidor

Croatia -- pravobranitelji

France -- médiateur/defénseur

Germany/Austria -- Ombudspersonen and Ombudsleute

Italy -- difensore

Netherlands -- ombudspersoon

Norway -- ombudet

Poland -- Rzecznik

Portugal -- provedor

Russia -- омбудсмен

Spain -- ombudsman organizacional

Sweden -- studentombud

Switzerland -- ombudsmann

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November 11, 2026

University of Colorado Anschutz Names Ombuds

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