Bowdoin College creates ombuds position to 'help navigate challenging workplace concerns'

Bowdoin College Jacqueline Reese begins her new role at Bowdoin on Sept. 1.

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After a national search, Bowdoin College has named Jacqueline Reese, who comes from Emory University in Atlanta, as its ombuds, a newly created position.

Reese, who brings over 20 years of experience to the position, will start her new role Sept. 1.

“I am particularly inspired by what is clearly a heartfelt commitment to supporting the work of the ombuds office, as demonstrated by each and every member of the Bowdoin community I’ve met thus far,” said Reese.

“For many years, the college has had dedicated workplace advisors who did a really good job in a quasi-ombuds role, but I am thrilled that Jackie will be joining Bowdoin as a true ombuds,” said Tama Spoerri, vice president of human resources. “As an impartial, neutral resource, she will fill an existing void for staff and faculty as a confidential listener who can help navigate challenging workplace concerns.”

Reese will provide guidance and understanding of the college’s policies, procedures, resources and options. She will also offer a safe, respectful and confidential space for faculty and staff to discuss challenges and issues. She will also empower individuals to resolve conflicts for themselves through confidential processes. She will also facilitate conversations with individuals or groups and conduct outreach and training to educate staff and faculty about the services provided by the ombuds.

Before joining Bowdoin, Reese held several positions during her time at Emory University in Atlanta, most recently as associate director of student access services.

Reese focused her bachelor’s degree on writing, sociology and information technology at Georgia Southern University. She earned her master’s in peace studies and conflict resolution at Kennesaw State University in Georgia.

“I’m excited about both this new role and Jackie’s appointment because I know she believes, as I do, that we can build an even more inclusive community at Bowdoin by better responding to and resolving the conflicts that inevitably arise,” said Benje Douglas, senior vice president for inclusion and diversity. “Conflict resolution is an inclusion practice and doing it well will benefit all employees and ultimately have a powerful impact on students as well. I look forward to Jackie’s leadership, humor, warmth, and sense of purpose in doing this work.”

Bowdoin College is a private liberal arts college in Brunswick. The college has 1,805 students and 189 full-time faculty.

Bowdoin was ranked No. 7 among Maine's largest colleges and universities in the 2023 Mainebiz Book of Lists, ranked by full-time undergraduate enrollment for fall 2022.