A national search for a permanent Title IX officer at Syracuse University has concluded with a familiar face.

SU announced on Thursday that Sheila Johnson-Willis, who served as the university’s chief equal opportunity and Title IX officer in an interim capacity since 2015, has been permanently appointed to the position.

A committee of university officials and other campus community members launched a search for a permanent chief equal opportunity and Title IX officer last November.

That was more than two years after Johnson-Willis first started serving as interim officer.

“The committee understood the crucial nature of this position in fostering a culture of inclusion and acceptance and a safe and supportive learning, living and working environment,” said Andrew Gordon, the university’s senior vice president and chief human resources officer, in a press release Wednesday afternoon. Johnson-Willis reports to Gordon.

In her role, Johnson-Willis leads the Equal Opportunity and Inclusion Resolution Office. She’s responsible for the investigation of equal opportunity claims and disability rights guidance and investigations, among other things.

An active Title IX investigation is open at SU, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education’s Title IX sexual assault investigation tracker. That investigation, opened in June 2016, was first reported by The Daily Orange in August 2016. A complaint alleges that the university failed to “respond promptly or equitably” to a report of sexual assault made on or about May 5, 2015.

Johnson-Willis previously served as SU’s director of equal opportunity and inclusion. She also served as Colgate University’s director of equal opportunity and affirmative action and Title IX officer.

Published on February 15, 2018 at 4:10 pm

Contact Sam: sfogozal@syr.edu | @SamOgozalek