Schreier named next faculty ombudsperson

University of Iowa President Barbara Wilson has appointed Barry Schreier faculty ombudsperson in the Office of the Ombudsperson after an internal search. Schreier will replace Meenakshi (Gigi) Durham, who has served in the role since 2021.

Schreier, a licensed psychologist, is professor of counseling psychology and director of the higher education program for the UI's Scanlan Center for School Mental Health. Schreier came to Iowa in 2015 to lead University Counseling Service and to join the UI's Counseling Psychology program. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Michigan and a PhD in counseling psychology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

"The Office of the Ombudsperson plays a vital role for our students, faculty, and staff," says Wilson. "Barry's extensive expertise and background will help ensure that people who need advice and assistance will be well served."

The faculty ombudsperson is tasked with offering confidential, impartial, informal, and independent resolution services to all members of the university community. The position reports directly to the president and is a half-time faculty appointment for a term of four years.

Schreier will begin in the role July 1. He was selected from a group of internal applicants for the position in a search led by Megan Foley Nicpon, the Myron and Jacqueline Blank Endowed Chair in the College of Education and director of the UI's Belin-Blank Center.

The UI Office of the Ombudsperson serves students, staff, and faculty and helps to resolve a variety of disputes.