The University of Nebraska–Lincoln has named Jake Johnson as associate to the chancellor for institutional equity and compliance.

The appointment, announced June 23 by Chancellor Ronnie Green, is pending final approval by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. Johnson, who has served as the university’s assistant vice chancellor for student affairs advocacy and support since Jan. 22, 2018, starts working in the new role on July 6.

“Jake has already demonstrated outstanding leadership in his work supporting our students here at Nebraska,” Green said. “His deep understanding of advocacy initiatives and desire to make a positive impact on equitable treatment will be crucial as our Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance continues to evolve and support the needs of our campus community.”

Along with serving as director of the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance, the position oversees university compliance with affirmative action, equal opportunity, civil rights and higher education laws — including Title IX, Title VII and the Americans with Disabilities Act — and other federal and state laws. The position also works with senior leadership to guarantee the university offers an ethical work environment free from all forms of discrimination and harassment.

The position directs administrative functions and operations of the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance. It is responsible for leading 10 staff employees, including the university’s Title IX coordinator and American Disabilities Act coordinator.

“The work of eliminating discrimination, harassment and violence in our campus community is essential to creating a place that welcomes and affirms each individual and their contribution to fulfilling our mission,” Johnson said. “I am eager to support the creation and implementation of policies and practices that strengthen the university’s commitment to ethical conduct, equitable treatment and civil rights.”

Johnson replaces Tami Strickman who served in the associate to the chancellor role and as the university’s Title IX coordinator before taking a similar position at the University of Michigan. Following best practices at peer institutions, the university’s Title IX coordinator will now report to the associate to the chancellor for institutional equity and compliance. Meagan Counley is the university’s interim Title IX coordinator.

A Nebraska graduate, Johnson has a broad background in student affairs having worked on three college campuses. His current job on campus is focused on working with student and advocacy initiatives, including mental health services, resilience and well-being, and behavioral intervention.

Previously at Idaho State University, Johnson led an interdisciplinary team of professionals dedicated to assessing student concerns and planning successful interventions. In addition, he coordinated campuswide educational programming to develop awareness of community standards.

His background in student affairs includes experience in undergraduate admissions, fraternity and sorority life, residence hall management, assessment, leadership engagement, student involvement and community collaborations.

Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and interpersonal communication from Southern Utah University and a master’s in educational administration and doctorate in leadership education from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He also earned a Juris Doctor degree at the University of Idaho.