Tom Lehker has been named ombuds for the Division of Student Affairs. His appointment was effective Sept. 1.
Lehker, who served as the interim ombuds since January of this year, has been working closely with the division for many years. “We are grateful and excited to officially welcome Tom to his new position as he will be a tremendous asset to Student Affairs,” Vice President for Student Affairs E. Royster Harper says.
The position of ombuds has the responsibility of helping students consider options, and offers dispute resolution related to academic, administrative or other issues. The ombuds acts as a facilitator to help both sides come to an agreement while making sure that the student is fairly treated.
“Tom is a unique member of the team — not only has he been deeply involved and shown incredible dedication and leadership to the university, but he has also been able to improve many policies and procedures used by the university,” Harper says. “Tom has worked skillfully and faithfully to ensure that students have been supported in a safe and confidential atmosphere.”
Lehker has many years of student interaction and negotiation skills. His ability to gather appropriate information when resolving conflicts has helped students evaluate their options while accommodating both parties involved in the dispute. His knowledge of U-M has enabled him to build and maintain relationships with faculty and staff across the campus.
Joining the university staff in 1989, Lehker served as the assistant director of the Career Planning and Placement Center. He left for a brief time to serve as the assistant director of the MBNA Career Education Center at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. After returning to U-M, Lehker took the position of senior assistant director for Graduate Student Services and Campus Relations in the Career Center where he served until being named as the interim ombuds of the Division of Student Affairs.
Lehker received his Bachelor of Arts degree in history from U-M in 1984. In addition, he earned his Master of Arts degree in college student personnel from Bowling Green State University in 1991.
