Utah State names new Title IX coordinator
Utah State University named Hilary Renshaw as the new Title IX coordinator on Thursday. The appointment is part of the reorganization process in the Title IX and Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity offices.
Renshaw replaced Scott Bodily, who served as interim coordinator after Stacy Sturgeon was removed from the position last spring following an investigation that found discrimination and misconduct in the university’s piano program had been dismissed for years. Scott Bodily will return to his position as an AAEO specialist.
Renshaw has been working as a Title IX investigation manager in the AAEO office since Oct. 1. Renshaw has worked as a middle school teacher in Utah and Louisiana, volunteered in crisis centers and a domestic violence shelter, and also earned a master’s degree in educational leadership. Most recently, she graduated magna cum laude with a juris doctor degree from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University.
Amanda DeRito, the university’s sexual misconduct and outreach coordinator, said in a press release on Friday that Renshaw has proved her ability to appropriately respond to trauma and to be an effective administrator. The press release states that Renshaw plans to help students feel comfortable in reporting to Title IX, ensuring faculty and staff have the resources necessary to support students in reporting, and sustaining a process that is “fair and equitable for both the complainant and the respondent.”
DeRito said that the university is planning opportunities for students to get to know the new director. Because it can be intimidating for students to talk to someone in Renshaw’s position, said DeRito, the university wants students to feel comfortable and be familiar with her.
“Renshaw’s background working with people in crisis and her experience in law set her apart from the other candidates,” DeRito said.
Utah State University announced plans to add five new positions to Title IX, Student Affairs, and Sexual Assault and Anti-Violence Information offices last September. The AAEO director, which was previously combined with Renshaw’s new position, has yet to be named. DeRito said the university is currently in the interviewing process. Dale Andersen currently serves as the interim AAEO director.
naomiyokoward@aggiemail.usu.edu
@naomiyokoward