Fayetteville State University Expands Legal and Conflict Resolution Services
Pictured Left To Right: Jeffery Womble, Elizabeth Hunt, J.D., and Terrance Robinson
Fayetteville, N.C. (February 13, 2023) — Fayetteville State University (FSU) is expanding legal and conflict resolution services for students, faculty and staff through the Division of Legal, Audit, Risk and Compliance (LARC) to better serve the needs of the university community.
Expanded services include the new University Ombuds Office, an added Office of Equity, and a newly identified chief deputy and point of contact for non-legal matters.
In January, FSU established its first University Ombuds Office providing an independent, confidential environment for faculty, staff and students to discuss conflicts or issues that interfere with academic or work life.
Jeffery M. Womble now serves as the University’s Ombudsperson and oversees the Ombuds Office. He is a member of the International Ombudsman Association and adheres to the professional standards of independence, impartiality, confidentiality and informality. Womble, an FSU alumnus, has served the University for almost 20 years in a variety of roles including senior advisor for stakeholder engagement and assistant vice chancellor for communications. He also volunteers extensively for student and alumni groups.
In this new role, Womble will field questions and concerns, identify and explore options and next steps, discuss resolution strategies, and facilitate difficult conversations as a neutral third party. If needed, he will suggest alternative solutions and resources and make referrals to appropriate university offices. The Ombuds Office will track problematic patterns and forward suggestions for policy changes and provide recommendations for improved strategies to the administration.
Elizabeth Hunt, J.D., arrived at FSU in 2021 and is now the director of compliance, equity and risk management, adding the Office of Equity to her responsibilities in addition to compliance and risk management. Hunt will oversee the University’s efforts to maintain a positive work environment and promote a workplace free from discrimination, harassment and retaliation. Hunt will conduct prompt and impartial investigations into allegations of discrimination, harassment and retaliation and oversee the adjudication of such claims.
The Office of Equity also provides education, training and outreach to ensure all individuals are treated with dignity, compassion and respect.
FSU encourages anyone who has been the target of or witnessed discrimination or harassment to report the incident to the Office of Equity. Individuals may also use this form to electronically file a report of discrimination or harassment.
Terrance Robinson, assistant vice chancellor for the Division of Legal, Audit, Risk and Compliance, now also serves as the division’s chief deputy and point of contact for non-legal related matters. Additionally, he will oversee and monitor a university-wide program to ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations and policies pertaining to the construction of university facilities. Robinson, an FSU alumnus, has served FSU in various roles for 25 years, including special assistant to the chancellor and paralegal/budget manager, among others.
“I am delighted that the Division of Legal, Audit, Risk and Compliance continues to evolve to meet the growing needs of our campus community,” said Wanda L. Jenkins, vice chancellor of legal, audit, risk and compliance and general counsel. “We have experienced, compassionate and dedicated leaders taking on these new roles who will continue to make significant contributions to our campus environment. I am especially appreciative of all they bring to our division and FSU.”
Comprised of six units — Legal, Internal Audit, Title IX, Police and Public Safety, Ombuds and Compliance, Equity and Risk Management — LARC manages FSU’s ethical, legal and regulatory responsibilities.
Contact:
The Division of Legal, Audit, Risk and Compliance:
C.J. Barber Building, Suite 211
1200 Murchison Road Fayetteville, NC
Phone: (910) 672-1145
Audit and Compliance Hotline (24/7/365) (910) 672-1400
Contact University Ombuds:
Jefferey M. Womble
Collins Building, Room 212
jwomble@uncfsu.edu or ombuds@uncfsu.edu
910-672-1474
Contact Compliance, Equity and Risk Management:
Elizabeth “Beth” Hunt, J.D.
Collins Building, Room 205
Ehunt6@uncfsu.edu
910-672-1043
Contact Assistant Vice Chancellor and Chief Deputy:
Terrance Robinson
trobinson@uncfsu.edu
910-672-1145