Shanita Pettaway has been named director of Title IX Compliance and the university’s new Title IX Coordinator, effective Oct. 4. 

This follows a national search, with participation, feedback and input from a wide range of campus stakeholders including students, faculty and staff across campus.

"I am elated, honored and beyond grateful that the University of Arkansas has selected me for this position, particularly at such a pivotal juncture in its furtherance of Title IX compliance," Pettaway said. “Of critical importance, I bring a sense of urgency that the time is now to cultivate the university’s mission to ‘build a better world by providing transformational opportunities and skills, promoting an inclusive and diverse culture, nurturing creativity, and solving problems’ through implementation of a Title IX compliance program that articulates transparent provision of an educational and work environment that is conducive to inclusive excellence and equal opportunity for all."

The director of Title IX compliance is the university’s Title IX Coordinator and responsible for institutional compliance with Title IX, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), SaVE Act and other related federal and state laws across all campuses of the university. 

This position will support the university’s commitment to provide an educational and work environment in which thought, creativity and growth are stimulated, and in which individuals are free to realize their full potential through equal opportunity and providing a positive environment by conducting investigations for incidents, facilitating supportive measures, implementing educational programs and assisting in the development and update of university policies and procedures related to Title IX and other applicable federal and state civil rights laws supporting both students and employees alike.  

The director of Title IX monitors and ensures compliance with all procedures, requirements and timelines outlined in the university's policies and procedures for responding to allegations of sexual misconduct.

“Shanita comes to the University of Arkansas highly recommended having a strong training and background in the successful application of policy to help people at her various institutions,” said Danielle Williams, associate vice chancellor for the Office of Equal Opportunity & Compliance. 

“We are looking forward to her joining the team, which is growing to better serve the needs of the campus, and to reinvigorate several key initiatives that were put on pause due to the pandemic, including the re-establishment of a student advisory body and use of student interns in the Title IX Office.

“I’d like to thank the Title IX team for their support and patience throughout this process. Transition can be stressful, and we would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the good work of Shannon McFarlin, deputy Title IX coordinator and investigator, and Interim Title IX Coordinator Sara Thomas, have both done yeoman’s work in ensuring our campus is meeting the needs of students and employees over these past few months we are appreciative of their service,” she said.  

A native of Mobile, Alabama, Pettaway, J.D., Ph.D., recipient of a host of awards and distinctions, inductee of a host of honor and professional societies and a first-generation college graduate, holds a Doctor of Philosophy, Administration of Higher Education, from Auburn University (2019); a Juris Doctor from Southern University Law Center (2012); a Master of Public Administration from Southern University and A & M College (2012); a Master of Education, Administration of Higher Education, from Auburn University (2017); a Graduate Certificate in College and University Teaching from Auburn University (2017); and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, summa cum laude, from Alabama A & M University (2008). 

Her most recent employment includes positions with Columbus State University, where she served as contracts manager and policy coordinator, deputy Title IX coordinator, and held a part-time graduate faculty appointment in the Department of Teaching, Leadership, and Counseling, having taught higher education law and ethics, as well as a perspectives course; Auburn University; and the Legal Division of the Alabama Department of Human Resources. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. 

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas’ economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the top 3% of U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research News.