New Human Rights Director Named
April 03, 2013 - News Release
Jane Ngobia has been named director of the University of Guelph’s Human Rights and Equity Office (HREO). Her five-year renewable term begins May 15.
President Alastair Summerlee, who chaired the search committee, announced the appointment today.
“We had an exceptional slate of candidates, and I am absolutely delighted that Jane will be joining us,” said Summerlee.
“She has extensive experience in the university sector as a human rights and equity director, professor and administrator. She will be a wonderful addition to U of G, and will further our reputation as a leader in human rights and equity.”
Most recently, Ngobia was director of diversity and equity initiatives at the Ontario College of Art and Design University. She developed, implemented and assessed diversity efforts, and led equity and inclusion training.
She served as diversity and leadership officer at the University of Toronto and was a lecturer at Centennial College. Previously, she was dean of students, lecturer and deputy department head at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA).
She belongs to several boards and professional associations, including the Canadian Association for the Prevention of Discrimination and Harassment in Higher Education, the Senior Women Academic Administrators of Canada, and the Toronto Council of Educators.
At U of G, Ngobia will lead the discussion and education efforts about issues involving discrimination, harassment, employment equity and accessibility. She will also help ensure fair and expeditious issue resolution within the University community through both independent and collaborative processes.
“The University of Guelph is one of the nation’s cutting-edge research-intensive, learner-centred institutions,” Ngobia said.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to join this community of students, senior leaders, faculty and staff to advance the academic mission of the University, and to ensure that diversity, equity and inclusion remain indispensable components of academic excellence.”
Ngobia earned a PhD in higher education and a master’s degree in theory and policy development at the University of Toronto. She holds a master’s degree in religious studies and a bachelor of education from CUEA. Recently, she completed “total immersion” program at the Harvard’s Institute for Educational Management focusing on effective institutional leadership.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, 519-824-4120, Ext. 53338, lhunt@uoguelph.ca, or Kevin Gonsalves, Ext. 56982, kgonsalves@uoguelph.ca
