Chanelle Reese, associate ombudsperson at the University of California, Merced, has been named the next university ombudsperson at the University of Iowa. She will begin June 21.

Reese succeeds Cynthia Joyce, who retired in March after 15 years in the position.

“I am excited to welcome Chanelle Reese to the University of Iowa community,” says President Barbara Wilson. “The university ombudsperson plays a vital role for our students, faculty, and staff, and I know Chanelle’s leadership and experience will ensure our community has a safe, neutral, and empathic place to go for advice and conflict resolution.”

Reese has served as the associate ombudsperson at the University of California, Merced, since May 2020 while simultaneously working remotely as a senior associate in the ombudsperson office of the American Red Cross until October 2021. Before that, she was a dispute resolution coordinator for the Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland.

"I am truly honored that I will now be a part of this campus community. Addressing conflict is an opportunity for change and I look forward to utilizing my skill set to support the mission and core values of the University of Iowa," Reese says.

Reese was one of three finalists who participated in campus visits in late March. The 13-member search committee was led by Jan Waterhouse, assistant vice president for employee relations and inclusion in University Human Resources.

Reese earned a bachelor of science degree in psychology from Old Dominion University and a master of science degree in negotiation and conflict management from the University of Baltimore.

The university ombudsperson is tasked with offering confidential, neutral, informal, and independent resolution services to ensure all members of the university community receive fair and equitable treatment. The position is a full-time appointment and reports directly to the president.

Her appointment must be approved by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa.