Emeritus faculty member to serve as ombuds officer

Emeritus faculty member Dr. Carol Jones, former Buchanan Chair in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, is Oklahoma State University’s next ombuds officer.

The Office of the Ombuds Officer was established in October 2013 to promote a supportive learning and working environment at OSU. The office serves as a resource for all members of the OSU communities on the Stillwater, OSU-Tulsa, and Okmulgee campuses (faculty, students, staff, administrators and post-doctoral fellows) and offers a safe, confidential place to talk about campus-related problems.

“I have a passion for making sure OSU policy and procedures are fair, appropriate, agile and functional across all of our divisions and campuses,” Jones said. “I look forward to welcoming faculty, students and staff into my office, finding positive solutions and helping to ensure that the campus community is heard.”

As ombuds officer, Jones listens to and reviews issues, explores options, makes inquiries and referrals as appropriate, and facilitates resolutions in an impartial manner where no party feels fear of retaliation. She will not act as an advocate or take sides in the performance of these duties.

After over 20 years of combined service to the Cowboy family, both as a faculty member and a representative on a wide array of university boards and organizations, Senior Vice President for Executive Affairs Kyle Wray said Jones is an ideal fit for the position.

“We want to ensure that everyone in the Cowboy family feels comfortable to raise concerns and communicate openly,” Wray said. “This role plays a crucial part in that effort, and I know Carol Jones will serve the university well. She has the background and personality to be an extremely effective mediator, and her decades of experience — both in academia and industry — reflect not only her experience and skill but her lasting commitment to this institution.”