Michigan State University Interim Associate Vice President of the Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance (OCR), Robert Kent, has named Melody Werner as the new director of the Office of Institutional Equity. She joins MSU from Eastern Michigan University where she has served as the Title IX Coordinator since 2015.
In this role, Werner will oversee all investigations taking place under the Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct and Anti-Discrimination Policies.
“Melody comes to us with a wealth of knowledge and experience working in Title IX and higher education,” said Kent. “I am confident that she will become a respected leader within OIE and in the greater University community.”
While at EMU, she was responsible for building their Title IX office from the ground up which has included drafting policies and designing and implementing all Title IX operational systems and processes. She also oversaw all investigations and adjudications of Title IX complaints and educated campus community members about their Title IX rights and responsibilities.
“It is an honor to come to MSU,” said Werner. “I am committed to continue educating the campus on Title IX and discrimination, ensuring equity for students, staff and faculty and continue to create a culture of care around these issues.”
Prior to her experience as Title IX coordinator, Werner was the senior associate athletics director where she managed National Collegiate Athletics Association and Title IX compliance for over eleven sports.
She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in communications, and she has earned a degree in Educational Leadership all from EMU.
To find out additional information on the Office of Institutional Equity please visit oie.msu.edu.
