University appoints first faculty/staff ombuds

Scott Deyo
Monday, January 24, 2022

UNC Charlotte has appointed Scott Deyo the University’s first ombuds for faculty and staff. He  will join Charlotte on Feb. 1. 

Reporting into the Chancellor’s Office, Deyo will be a confidential resource for faculty and staff to work informally through challenging workplace problems, dilemmas and conflicts. While similar services have previously been offered to faculty, this position will serve all employees and supports the University’s commitment to creating and maintaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce. 

“The faculty are pleased to have a full-time dedicated professional ombuds on our campus. The ombuds will assist employees by  listening to concerns, clarifying issues, explaining policies, articulating options, serving as a neutral party in resolving disputes, and providing referrals to other resources,” said Faculty Council President Susan Harden, associate professor of education and director for the Civic Minor in Urban Youth and Communities. “Many campuses go without ombuds resources, so we are lucky to have a full-time, dedicated position at Charlotte.” 

Deyo joins Charlotte with more than 25 years of experience in the conflict resolution field. He has built and led numerous organizational ombuds programs in the U.S. federal government and nonprofit sector, including the U.S. Green Building Council, the National Park Service and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.  

“Staff Council is excited about UNC Charlotte having its first ombuds to include staff as part of its clientele,” said Celeste Corpening, chair of the council and applications analyst in OneIT . “We are grateful to Chancellor Gaber and our other campus partners for supporting us in adding this important position as a confidential resource for all employees. We are confident in Scott’s ability to serve our University with excellence. He is engaging and brings a wealth of experience in conflict resolution, mediation and organization management.”

A national leader in his field, Deyo is a certified organizational ombuds practitioner through the International Ombuds Association (IOA), and leads the IOA professional practices committee, which serves to uphold the highest standards for professional ombuds. He also served as chair of the Coalition of Federal Ombuds, where he provided advice and guidance to ombuds and senior executives throughout government on building and growing world-class ombuds programs.

“I am thrilled to be joining Charlotte at such an exciting time. Throughout the selection process, I could really feel the positive energy and dedication from everyone I engaged with, and I can't wait to be a part of this vibrant and diverse community,” said Deyo. “I look forward to meeting as many faculty and staff as possible, providing a listening ear, and providing as much assistance I can as an impartial dispute resolution practitioner.”

Deyo earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from James Madison University and a Master of Science from George Mason University’s Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution.