Syracuse University today announced the appointment of Neal Powless G’08 to the post of University ombuds. In this role, Powless will serve the campus community as a neutral, independent, informal and confidential resource for faculty, staff and graduate students who are seeking assistance to answer questions and resolve concerns. Powless’ appointment is effective on Tuesday, Jan. 22.
Neal Powless
“Neal Powless has the demonstrated vision, wisdom, sensitivity, leadership, skills and competence to make a powerful contribution to a respectful, responsive and ethical campus community,” says Chancellor Kent Syverud. “His experience in career and academic advising, in social and personal counseling, and in the Office of Multicultural Affairs have prepared him to serve in this key role.”
The Office of the University Ombuds was established last February at the recommendation of the University Senate Committee on Women’s Concerns and the Chancellor’s Workgroup on Diversity and Inclusion. At that time, Professor Emeritus Samuel Clemence was named to head the office in an interim capacity and a search committee was formed to identify a permanent ombuds. The Office of the University Ombuds will act as a neutral, independent informal and confidential resource for Syracuse University faculty, staff and graduate students who are seeking assistance to resolve questions and concerns. The Office of the University Ombuds will help further promote a respectful and ethical campus community in line with the University’s values and policies.
Powless is no stranger to the Syracuse University community. From 2011-15, he served as assistant director of the Native Student Program in the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Prior to that, Powless was a career counselor with the Center for Career Services.
He is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the Newhouse School, where his research is centered on Indigenous imagery in contemporary film. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Nazareth College and a master’s degree in counseling at SU. Powless is also a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC).
“I look forward to serving the Chancellor and Syracuse University by creating a safe space to discuss any issue in confidence,” Powless says. “My plan is to build upon the great work already established by the Office of the University Ombuds. I encourage the campus community to get to know the staff and utilize our resources to develop effective communication throughout the University. It’s my goal to cultivate an open, supportive and empowered community.”
Powless is a member of the Onondaga Nation Eel Clan. He and his wife, Michelle Schenandoah, founded Indigenous Concepts Consulting to serve Indigenous communities and to incorporate Indigenous perspective into mainstream business and media paradigms. He is the son of the late Beaver Clan Chief Irving Powless Jr., who was a good friend to the University. Powless, a three-time All-American and professional lacrosse player, also serves as head coach of the Netherlands National Box Lacrosse team.
LaVonda Reed, associate provost for faculty affairs, professor of law and chair of the search committee, says Powless will help the newly formed office grow its role on campus. “Neal has the experience, the judgment and the vision to make the Office of the Ombuds a valuable and vital resource for staff, faculty and graduate students,” Reed says. “The office itself has already handled many concerns that individuals did not wish to address through other official channels. Its service will no doubt grow in the years ahead.”
Other members of the search committee were:
- Keith A. Alford, associate professor and chair of the School of Social Work in the Falk College and the University’s interim chief diversity officer;
- Sarah Pralle, associate professor of political science in the Maxwell School and a member of the University Senate Committee on Women’s Concerns;
- Kevin Quinn, senior advisor to the Chancellor for executive communications and public affairs;
- Michael Tick, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts; and
- Jack Wilson, president of the Graduate Student Organization.
The Office of the University Ombuds is located at 111 Waverly Ave., Suite 215. The office can be reached via email at ombuds@syr.edu or by phone at 315.443.1087. For more information, visit www.syracuse.edu/about/ombuds/.