photo by: Courtesy University of Kansas

Ada Emmett

The University of Kansas has hired a longtime faculty member to serve as the university’s ombuds, a position that serves as a facilitator when conflicts arise on campus.

Ada Emmett, who has served in a variety of roles with KU Libraries, has begun serving in the position immediately. Emmett previously served as the acting ombuds for KU.

“Ada brings a great deal of compassion and empathy to this role,” said Barbara A. Bichelmeyer, provost and executive vice chancellor. “I am confident she will provide a welcoming space where KU students, faculty and staff will feel supported and where creative thinking and collaboration can lead the university community to better care for our people.”

As part of her new job, Emmett also will oversee the Ombuds Office at KU, which provides confidential, informal and impartial spaces for members of the KU community to seek resolution of disputes, KU said in a release.

Emmett has been a faculty member at KU for 20 years. She previously was director of the Shulenburger Office of Scholarly Communication and Copyright at KU Libraries.

“The university community is a dynamic organization,” Emmett said. “The Ombuds Office must also grow and adapt to the needs of the community it serves. We hope that more people will come to know of the confidential services the Ombuds Office offers so that when they need off-the-record thought-partners, they will know where to go.”