The ombudsman search continues as the second of three candidates presented to campus on Friday.

Bathabile Mthombeni graduated from Princeton University with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, and received her J.D. from Columbia Law School. In addition to founding her own mediation practice, Untangled Resolutions, she has held many positions such as the associate university ombudsman officer for Columbia University and is currently a mediator on New York City’s Civilian Complaint Review Board.

“I went into this line of work because I am passionate about working with people and problem solving,” Mthombeni said. “I’m not the one that solves the problem, but I provide information and resources so that a people can help themselves.”

She also focused on how her individual skills can cater to the University’s needs as a large institution.

“Being that Binghamton is such a dynamic and multifaceted institution, it is required that I am versatile, creative and open to collaboration,” Mthombeni said.

According to Mthombeni, the role of ombudsman allows people to gain an objective and informed view of how the University is operating and how it affects students and faculty.

“I am uniquely placed to perceive patterns that could be troubling, or are positive,” Mthombeni said. “It is just as important to recognize good qualities as it is to recognize bad ones.”

In addition to gaining insight, Mthombeni said that the most important part of her job is to aid students and faculty and offer a unique resource to the community.

“The job ultimately provides a service that one cannot find anywhere else,” Mthombeni said. “Because the ombudsman’s office is confidential and impartial, coming here doesn’t put anyone on notice or go on the record. People can discuss things with me without a fear of reprisal.”

Her presentation focused around the ombudsman’s view for “The University Roadmap to Premier.” Mthombeni said that to her, this meant focusing on how to help the University grow and evolve to reach its goals.

“For a group of people to successfully take a road trip together, everyone must want to stay in the bus to get there,” Mthombeni said. “The ombudsman office makes people want to remain on the journey to reach the final destination.”