The U of A is pleased to announce key leadership appointments within the Equal Opportunity, Compliance, and Title IX department — reinforcing the U of A's commitment to fostering a fair and equitable campus environment.

Danielle Williams has been named the university's Title IX coordinator. In this critical role, she will lead efforts to ensure compliance with Title IX regulations, address issues related to gender equity, and oversee policies and procedures designed to prevent and respond to incidents of discrimination and harassment. Williams will also continue to serve as the associate vice chancellor and executive director of Equal Opportunity, Compliance, and Title IX, managing the strategic direction of the department and working collaboratively across campus to uphold the university's values of access and equal opportunity for the campus community. Williams is succeeding Interim Title IX Coordinator Monica Holland, who is continuing her role as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Associate Dean of Students.  

Heather Cato has been promoted to assistant director for Title IX Compliance and deputy Title IX coordinator. Cato is responsible for day-to-day management of Title IX matters, including Title IX investigations and case management, supervision of the Pregnancy Coordinator, and facilitation of the Title IX hearing process. Cato will also serve as a liaison to Athletics for NCAA/Title IX compliance, and she will continue her duties in Clery Act coordination, in addition to assisting with training and outreach efforts to advance Title IX, equal opportunity and access across the institution.

Jonathan Deegan will now serve as assistant director for Equal Opportunity Investigations/staff grievance officer, and deputy Title IX coordinator. In his updated role, Deegan is responsible for supervising the investigation team and managing the day-to-day operations of EO investigations. Deegan ensures investigations are conducted promptly, thoroughly, and impartially, while maintaining compliance with federal and state laws and university policies. He will continue to facilitate the University Staff Grievance Procedure and the informal resolution process for complaints, as well as assisting with training and outreach efforts to advance Title IX, equal opportunity and access across the institution.

For more information on the university's Equal Opportunity, Compliance, and Title IX efforts, please visit oeoc.uark.edu or contact the Equal Opportunity, Compliance, and Title IX department at 479-575-4019.