Inside Iowa State

May 2, 2008

Sharon Drake takes over ombuds officer post

by Diana Pounds

Sharon Drake, who has held a variety of positions at Iowa State and other educational institutions, will become Iowa State's ombuds officer July 1.

"Sharon Drake is a good fit for the ombuds position," said executive assistant to the president Tahira Hira. "Through her long and varied experiences at Iowa State, she has developed a deep knowledge of the university. She also has acquired expertise in mediation, counseling, training and team-building -- skills that are particularly important in an ombuds officer."

Drake's appointment to the post culminates a two-year pilot of the ombuds program. The program provides an informal way for ISU faculty, P&S and supervisory/confidential staff, and graduate students to resolve workplace concerns and conflicts. (Merit staff and undergraduate students have their own services for dispute resolution.)

The ombuds officer's role is to help employees work through and resolve problems, Hira said.

"As part of that process, the ombuds officer ensures that employees understand the relevant university policies and the various options that are open to them," she said.

Drake will serve a half-time, year-round appointment as ombuds officer and will keep regular office hours. More information about ombuds office services will be provided when Drake assumes her new post in July. The ombuds office is in 69 Physics.

Drake has been a lecturer in Iowa State's educational leadership and policy studies department since 2001. She also co-directs the department's program to prepare women and minorities for administrative positions in Iowa community colleges. Drake led Iowa State's training and development office for 15 years (1986-2001). Earlier in her ISU career, she served in positions in Extension, admissions and financial aid.

She also has held posts at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul; Kharkiv Polytechnic, Ukraine; and Simpson College, Indianola.

She has three degrees from Iowa State -- B.S. in home economics education, M.S. in counselor education and Ph.D. in agricultural education.

Edwin Lewis, former ISU associate provost, and Grace Weigel, former ISU assistant dean of students, served as part-time ombuds officers during the pilot program, which began in August 2006.

Ombuds offices are becoming more common on university campuses. ISU's office was created at the request of employee groups and supported by President Gregory Geoffroy.

"Sharon Drake is a good fit for the ombuds position. Through her long and varied experiences at Iowa State, she has developed a deep knowledge of the university. She also has acquired expertise in mediation, counseling, training and team-building -- skills that are particularly important in an ombuds officer."

Tahira Hira, executive assistant to the president