Colgate University President Jeffrey Herbst today announced the appointment of Sheila R. Johnson-Willis as director for equal employment opportunity and affirmative action, effective in June.
Working for the past 10 years in the public and private sectors, Johnson-Willis has overseen and ensured compliance with federal and state legislation related to affirmative action, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and equal employment opportunity.
Since 2008, she worked at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Ind., first as employee relations and immigration coordinator, and thereafter as director for affirmative action compliance and Title IX coordinator. In that role, she developed procedures that assisted in the increased hiring of minorities, generated and administered the university’s affirmative action plan, and investigated all internal complaints of discrimination including sexual harassment. She also ensured that university policies were developed, implemented, communicated, and managed in a consistent and equitable manner.
Johnson-Willis earned a BA degree from Albion College in Albion, Mich., and a JD from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Mich. Before joining Indiana State University, she worked in Michigan as a family court services specialist, as an unemployment claims interviewer, and as a coordinator of North American Free Trade Agreement compliance for an automotive manufacturer.
“Sheila brings the perfect combination of depth and breadth to the position,” said Marilyn (Lyn) Rugg, professor of romance languages who also serves as university harassment officer and staff affirmative action officer. “She is not only well versed in all compliance issues, she also has considerable experience in higher education and understands the culture of a liberal arts institution. She has a proven ability to build the kinds of relationships that are critical to the success of affirmative action efforts in hiring, particularly in faculty searches.”
Rugg co-chaired the search with Lori Chlad, director of human resources.
In announcing the appointment, Herbst stressed the need for Colgate to dedicate appropriate staff resources to meet federal and state laws, accreditation standards, and other mandates.
“Sheila will be integral in developing new affirmative action plans, assuring compliance, and handling complaints of discrimination or harassment,” he said. “She also will help us be prepared for new policy and compliance challenges with regard to veterans and people with disabilities.”
Johnson-Willis will relocate to Hamilton with her husband, Salatha T. Willis, and their two children.