Kristi Patrickus has been named Penn State’s new Title IX coordinator, the university announced Tuesday. Patrickus began her role effective Monday, November 4, taking over for Ashley Owens, who served in an interim role.

Patrickus’ role includes oversight of Penn State’s compliance with federal Title IX policies related to sexual harassment and misconduct, dating violence, stalking, and gender-based discrimination. She will work with the university’s campuses and offices, including the Office of Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response, the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response, Human Resources, the Gender Equity Center, and the Affirmative Action Office, among others.

“Kristi’s expertise in Title IX and her proven dedication to fostering safe, equitable environments make her an invaluable addition to our team,” Amber Grove, chief ethics and compliance officer at Penn State, said in a release. “Her leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our commitment to providing comprehensive resources, prevention education, and support for our community, ensuring that we uphold our mission of integrity, respect, and inclusivity.”

Before working at Penn State, Patrickus worked with Title IX and student conduct at Oregon. She also worked as the only university-employed attorney who argued for students in disputes against Oregon.

Patrickus co-chairs the Association for Student Council Administration (ASCA) Public Policy and Legislative Issues Committee and chaired the Title IX Task Force and Working Group. Patrickus was recently elected to serve as a Director At Large for ASCA’s Board of Directors and will assume that position early next year.

Patrickus graduated from Missouri State with a bachelor of music education and is a juris doctorate from Oregon. She is a current member of the Missouri Bar Association and an inactive member of the Oregon Bar Association.