Former Faculty Senate Chair Robert Staat has been named interim university ombuds.
Former Faculty Senate Chair Robert Staat has been named interim university ombuds.

Former Faculty Senate Chair Robert Staat has been named interim university ombuds effective July 1. A professor in the School of Dentistry and 40-year member of the faculty, Staat will serve as the initial point of contact for employees who have disputes, oversee the informal dispute resolution process for the university and make suggestions for improving the workplace climate at UofL, among other duties.

Staat follows Tony Belak, who served as ombuds from September 2010 through June 30 of this year.

“I would like to thank Tony Belak for his dedicated service to the university and wish him well in his future endeavors,” said Interim Provost Neville Pinto. “And I look forward to working with Dr. Staat in this important role. His experience and the relationships he has developed will benefit the university as we look to fill this position on a permanent basis.”

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John Drees is a 35-year veteran in the Office of Communications and Marketing. As vice president, communications and marketing, he works closely with the president, provost and other senior administrators, oversees the Office of Communications and Marketing, including media relations, marketing and brand, broadcast, social media, internal communication, crisis communication, visitor services and special events and activities. A former sports editor for the Voice Newspapers, he was a regular contributor to a variety of publications, including the Kentucky Sports Report and the Courier-Journal. A poor but enthusiastic golfer, he is an avid Cardinal sports fan. He also loves the Detroit Lions, so pity him.