Interim Title IX Coordinator Named for U of A

Photo by Matt Reynolds

Nicole Ferguson

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Nicole Ferguson has been named the interim Title IX coordinator for the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance. She will work with university administration, departments, students, faculty, staff, campus police and other support services to ensure that university policies and programs foster a campus community free of illegal gender discrimination and sexual violence in accordance to Title IX.

Title IX is the federal law that prohibits any form of discrimination based on a person's gender. Title IX prohibits incidents such as sexual assault or misconduct, sexual harassment, domestic or dating violence, stalking, discrimination based on pregnancy, and other related violations.

Ferguson replaced Monica Holland who was recently named associate dean of students.

“This position is important to the institution not only for us to remain compliant with federal law, but because of the role this positon plays in ensuring there is a process and mechanism for our community to report complaints,” said Danielle Wood, director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance. “We want to be sure that every member of our community understands the resources available to them and knows how to report a grievance that falls into this category.”

For additional information on how to report a complaint of discrimination, visit oeoc.uark.edu/report-a-problem.

Nicole Ferguson has worked in the Dean of Students office since 2011, first as a graduate assistant and later as the case manager for U of A CARES, supporting and advocating for students in crisis.

She has attended training sessions including Title IX case law updates, Legislative Training and student conduct in higher education.

“Nicole’s experience and training in higher education, her work for Student Affairs and knowledge of the University of Arkansas’ own Code of Student Life make her a valuable asset to the OEOC office,” said Danielle Wood, director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance.

Ferguson earned both a Master of Education degree and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Arkansas. Before working in the Dean of Students Office she had an internship in the Pat Walker Health Center’s Substance Education and Alcohol Resources program; was a substance abuse program leader for the Benton County Drug Court; and worked as a family services worker for the Arkansas Department of Human Services.

Ferguson is active in the Association for Student Conduct Administration and the Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education, where she serves on the finance committee and regional board.