Binghamton University has its new ombudsman. President Harvey Stenger announced today that Bathabile Mthombeni will be assuming the position on Jan. 15.
Mthombeni received her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Princeton University, and earned her J.D. from Columbia Law School. She later held the associate university ombudsman position at Columbia University. She also founded Untangled Resolutions, a private mediation firm, and taught dispute resolution at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
In a press release from the University, Mthombeni shared her plans for the job.
“My goal is to be a highly visible and accessible resource for all community members, continuing the legacy that Dawn Osborne-Adams and Francine Montemurro so skillfully established,” she said. “I am eager to get to know my new University family and to embrace all that Binghamton has to offer.”
Stenger also stated his confidence in Mthombeni as the chosen candidate.
“Bathabile’s background in law and extensive experience in conflict management and dispute resolution is what we had hoped to find for our campus and will serve her well in this key position,” Stenger said.
When Mthombeni visited campus on Nov. 14, she expressed her passion for the position, and said that she looked forward to the opportunity to engage with the BU community.
“I went into this line of work because I adore working with people, and problem solving,” Mthombeni said. “My greatest reward is to have somebody get a light in their eyes where they say ‘Oh, I know exactly what they need to do.’”