As ombudsperson, Caitlan Hendrickson will provide an independent, impartial, informal and confidential resource for members of the UTC community.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has selected Caitlan Hendrickson, an experienced organizational ombuds and conflict resolution professional with more than 20 years of experience, to serve as the University’s new ombudsperson.
Hendrickson is expected to begin her role at UTC on Oct. 1.
As ombudsperson, Hendrickson will provide an independent, impartial, informal and confidential resource for members of the UTC community. The role provides a place for individuals to discuss concerns, better understand University resources and processes, explore options and identify constructive approaches to addressing workplace and campus issues. Organizational ombuds can also help identify broader trends and systemic concerns while protecting the confidentiality of those seeking assistance.
“Investing in an environment where people feel heard, respected and supported is fundamental to who we are at UTC,” Chancellor Lori Bruce said. “Caitlan brings tremendous experience in higher education, conflict resolution and organizational leadership, along with a demonstrated ability to build trust across complex organizations. Her role will provide our faculty, staff and campus community with an important resource for navigating concerns and strengthening communication.”
Hendrickson served as director of the Office of the Ombuds at the University of Arizona from 2015 to 2021, providing services to a university community of more than 60,000. Before joining the University of Arizona, Hendrickson spent five years as director of Conflict Resolution Services at the University of Oregon.
Most recently, Hendrickson served as ombuds for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (2021-25), working with employees across all U.S. states and territories. She currently serves as a part-time conflict resolution advisor for United Nations Funds and Programmes, providing conflict resolution services and training to personnel around the world.
“I am truly delighted to begin serving the UTC community and providing a trusted space for Mocs to raise concerns, navigate challenges and complexity, and engage conflict constructively,” Hendrickson said. “As UTC moves through this time of growth and transformation, the human side of that change will be particularly important. I am inspired by the level of care and community focus at UTC, and it will be an honor to bring my experience and expertise to this role in service of the people and the institution.”
Hendrickson’s professional work has emphasized the core principles of organizational ombuds practice: independence, impartiality, informality and confidentiality. Her experience includes mediation, facilitation, coaching, restorative practices, conflict transformation, training and organizational development.
Hendrickson is bilingual in English and Spanish and holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the University of Oregon. She earned a master’s degree in Education from Northern Arizona University, where she is also pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership.
“An ombuds office plays a key role in an organization’s conflict management system, providing a confidential space to discuss a wide variety of concerns, problems, conflicts and other challenges that arise at the individual, group and systemic levels, and to explore options for navigating them constructively,” Hendrickson said. “Workplace conflicts and concerns can have significant impacts on employee wellbeing, organizational health, and the ability of individuals, teams and the institution to achieve their goals. As the UTC ombudsperson, I will work diligently to help Mocs navigate challenges with greater clarity, skill and confidence.”
Additional information about the Office of the Ombudsperson and its services is available through the UTC Office of the Ombudsperson webpage.
