University of Iowa Interim President John Keller has appointed Meenakshi (Gigi) Durham faculty ombudsperson in the Office of the Ombudsperson. Durham will replace Rachel Williams, who served in the role for three years.

Durham is director of the Nonfiction Writing Program and professor of journalism and mass communication with a joint appointment in gender, women’s, and sexuality studies. Durham came to Iowa in fall 2000 and teaches classes in gender and media, critical theories of the media, and magazine writing. Durham was a 2019 recipient of the UI’s May Brodbeck Distinguished Award for Faculty and a 2017 President and Provost Teaching Excellence award honoree, the university’s highest award for teaching.

“Dr. Durham’s service to the university is extensive. She is a leader who cares deeply about the university community and the success of everyone who is part of it,” says Keller. “She has the skills to be a trusted and considerate resource for campus.”

The faculty ombudsperson is tasked with offering a confidential, neutral, informal, and independent resolution services to ensure all members of the university community receive fair and equitable treatment. The position reports directly to the president and is a half-time faculty appointment for a non-renewable term of four years.

Durham will begin in the role on July 1. She was selected from a group of internal applicants for the position in a search led by UI Professor Emeritus Susan R. Johnson.

The UI Office of the Ombudsperson serves students, staff, and faculty and helps to resolve a variety of disputes in a confidential, neutral, and independent manner.