Justin Brown
Denison University welcomes Justin Brown as the university’s director of civil rights and Title IX and special advisor to the president. In this elevated role, he will lead the strategic development and oversight of response, engagement, and compliance efforts for civil rights and Title IX. Brown will join Denison on Oct. 31, 2022, following Joe Hall, who served as interim Title IX director.
In this newly defined role, Brown will have oversight of the college’s Title IX program. He will also partner with Denison’s general counsel and colleagues across campus in divisions and offices, including Student Life, Human Resources, Academics, and Athletics to enhance efforts on belonging, campus climate, and civil rights.
“This expanded role is critical for maintaining a community affirmatively built on collaboration, engagement, inclusion, and free from discrimination and harassment,” said Denison President Adam Weinberg. “Justin’s experience and expertise will enhance our efforts on Title IX and civil rights to ensure we are continually working to create a campus of belonging and respect.”
Brown joins Denison with almost 15 years of experience as a professional in Title IX, conflict resolution, and policy work. In his most recent position, he served as associate dean of students and director of the Office of Student Conflict Resolution at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He holds a master’s from Indiana University Bloomington and a bachelor’s from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
“I am incredibly excited to join the Denison community. I have a passion for Title IX and civil rights and have a fair, thorough, and compassionate approach to all situations,” Brown said. “I look forward to building productive partnerships and friendships with students, faculty, and staff at Denison.”
Reporting to the provost, Brown will liaise with campus partners to develop, monitor, and update policies and processes related to Title IX and civil rights. He will oversee and help coordinate educational and engagement opportunities for students and employees that address these issues. Justin will also partner with students, faculty, and staff on furthering our goal of becoming a community grounded in sexual respect.
“I look forward to Justin’s partnership on our integrated approach to civil rights and Title IX,” said Denison Provost Kim Coplin. “His knowledge also makes him a natural partner on diversity and inclusion issues to advance our Denison Forward work.”
Brown will be cross-designated as a Division of Student Life management team member. This direct association and support from the vice president of student life will help ensure the role’s connectivity to student concerns and strategic and day-to-day partners, including the Center for Belonging and Inclusion, Hoaglin Wellness Center, Residential Communities, Fraternity and Sorority Life, Orientation and First-Year Experience, Student Conduct, and Campus Safety.
“Justin’s perspective will be a great addition to our team,” said Vice President for Student Life Alex Miller. “The relationships he builds with our students will help us achieve our goals in student life, athletics, and student employment. I also want to thank and acknowledge the great work Joe Hall has done as interim Title IX director.”