Dear faculty, staff and graduate students,
I am pleased to announce that William W. Berry III, Montague Professor of Law in the University of Mississippi School of Law, has agreed to serve as Acting University Ombudsman while continuing in his role on the faculty.
Dr. Berry served on the Faculty Senate subcommittee that proposed the creation of the Office of University Ombuds. More specifically, he is passionate about the need for an independent, confidential office where faculty, staff and graduate students can seek assistance with campus-related concerns, problems, and disputes.
Dr. Berry brings to this role extensive experience in dispute resolution. Prior to joining the university faculty, he practiced law in Washington, D.C. for the firm of Shea & Gardner (now Goodwin Procter). As a faculty member, he has served since 2016 as chair of the university’s Academic Discipline Committee. One of his professional areas of expertise is labor and employment law, having taught a number of classes in those areas during his 13 years on the law school faculty.
I am grateful that we have a professional with the credentials, expertise and commitment to our community like Dr. Berry for this role at this time. His appointment is effective immediately.
As I mentioned in a letter earlier this week, the university values the Office of the University Ombuds, which provides faculty, staff and graduate students with a confidential, neutral, independent and informal place to seek assistance voluntarily in bringing forth and resolving campus-related concerns, problems or disputes. This office helps ensure that every voice at the University of Mississippi can be heard, without fear of loss of privacy, retaliation or retribution. The University is committed to upholding these principles and maintaining this important function on our campus.
Sincerely,
Glenn F. Boyce
Chancellor
