UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Kristi Patrickus has been named Penn State’s new Title IX coordinator. Patrickus has experience in higher education in the areas of student conduct, sexual harassment and misconduct prevention, discriminatory misconduct, and strategic leadership.
Effective Nov. 4, Patrickus assumes the role following Ashley Owens, who held the role on an interim basis, as announced on Feb. 14.
"Kristi’s expertise in Title IX and her proven dedication to fostering safe, equitable environments make her an invaluable addition to our team," said Amber Grove, chief ethics and compliance officer at Penn State. "Her leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our commitment to providing comprehensive resources, prevention education, and support for our community, ensuring that we uphold our mission of integrity, respect and inclusivity."
As the Title IX Coordinator, Patrickus will oversee the Penn State’s compliance with federal Title IX policies related to sexual harassment and misconduct, dating violence, stalking and gender-based discrimination. She will partner with the University’s campuses and offices, including the Office of Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response, the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response, Human Resources, the Gender Equity Center and the Affirmative Action Office, among others.
Patrickus’ responsibilities will include enhancing Penn State’s services, education and outreach for students, faculty and staff on the prevention of sexual misconduct and harassment, as well as overseeing the University’s response to Title IX reports and investigations.
“I’m extremely excited for the opportunity to join the esteemed team at Penn State,” Patrickus said. “I look forward to developing relationships across the Commonwealth Campuses and supporting the mission of Penn State.”
Prior to accepting this role with Penn State, Patrickus specialized in Title IX and student conduct as the Student Advocacy Program Attorney at the University of Oregon. At the University of Oregon, she held a unique role as the only university-employed attorney where she exclusively represented students in disputes against the institution, provided legal counsel, and advocated on behalf of nearly 150 students.
Patrickus also holds significant leadership roles within the Association for Student Conduct Administration (ASCA). She currently co-chairs ASCA’s Public Policy and Legislative Issues Committee and chaired the Title IX Task Force and Working Group. Patrickus was recently elected to serve as a Director At Large for ASCA’s Board of Directors and will assume that position early next year. She frequently presents on legal updates and Title IX issues, as well as co-developed and led Title IX training sessions as a faculty member at ASCA’s Gehring Academy.
She holds a bachelor of music education degree from Missouri State University and a juris doctorate from the University of Oregon. She is a current member of the Missouri Bar Association and an inactive member of the Oregon Bar Association.