By Susan Green
Staff writer
Elizabeth Graham, professor and associate director of the School of Interpersonal Communication, will begin as Ohio University ombudsman July 1. She succeeds Herman (Butch) Hill.
An ombudsman plays an important role in any organization. He or she is a confidential resource available to all members of the university community to assist in the fair, equitable and impartial resolution to the problems and concerns raised by community members. The office is a good place to start with any type of problem.
Butch Hill, who completes his five-year term as ombudsman at the end of June, is professor of electrical engineering and co-director of the Cutler Scholars program. He is also retiring as president of the University and College Ombuds Association.
Hill likens being the ombudsman to giving blood everyday, "It's rewarding but not always pleasurable." He says Ohio University is, comparatively, "a fairly happy and civil place, and it's this atmosphere that makes it possible for the ombuds office to function with such a small staff."
"I hope to continue the tradition of good counsel and problem solving that my predecessor, Butch Hill, established and to work to maintain a civil and respectful environment at Ohio University," Graham said. "The ombudsman's office is one of the few positions on campus that can serve all members of the University community."
The ombudsman is a part-time position under the aegis of the provost's office.
