Professor Mollie Blackburn has stepped into a new role as the associate chair in the Department of Teaching and Learning. Professor Blackburn has served as the faculty ombuds since 2021, providing advice and support to faculty colleagues.
With Professor Blackburn’s transition, the Office of Academic Affairs is launching a search for the next faculty ombuds, with a target start date of December 2026 or January 2027. The job posting is available here, and any interested and eligible professors or tenured associate professors are invited to apply.
A search committee, consisting of the following colleagues, has been established to support the effort:
Sara Watson, secretary of the University Senate
Valarie Williams, chair of the University Senate Steering Committee
Eric Schoen, chair of Faculty Council
Rebeka Campos-Astorkiza, graduate and professional student ombuds
Kevin Leonardi, president’s designee
Helen Malone, provost’s designee