DePaul hires new Title IX coordinator, retitles position

DePaul has hired Ann M. Skiffington as the university’s new director of gender equity. The position, previously called “Title IX coordinator,” was filled by Skiffington on Sept. 9.

Before joining DePaul, Skiffington held the position of vice president of human resources for Midtown Athletic Clubs where she “oversaw the company’s response to all reports of discrimination, harassment (including sexual misconduct), and retaliation,” according to an email from Ashley Knight, DePaul’s associate vice president for student affairs and interim Title IX coordinator.

The email also said Skiffington designed and implemented training programs and provided advice on employee relations issues including accommodating individuals with disabilities.

When asked about Skiffington’s availability to be interviewed for this story, Knight told The DePaulia she was “busy being oriented to the position,” and thus, unable to comment. She indicated Skiffington will be available for comment in coming weeks.

Skiffington’s official title, “director of gender equity (Title IX coordinator),” does not change the responsibilities that come along with the position.

“During the summer, the Division of Student Affairs reviewed the job description and decided to re-title the position Director of Gender Equity (Title IX Coordinator) to more accurately describe the responsibilities of the position,” Knight said in an email. “The DGE responds not only to sexual and relationship violence concerns but also discrimination and harassment concerns based on sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, and parental status.”

The position opened up in May when Jessica Landis, the former Title IX coordinator, left the university. In June, Knight told The DePaulia when Landis left, she became the interim coordinator on May 21.

Kristin Mathews, assistant director of news and integrated content, confirmed Landis’ leave in June, but said she could not address why, citing that “it’s [DePaul’s] longstanding practice not to comment on personnel matters.”