Resolution 18-01. Honoring Wayne Blair
RESOLUTION OF THE EMPLOYEE FORUM
THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL
February 7, 2018
WHEREAS, it is customary for the Employee Forum to recognize individuals who have distinguished themselves in service to the University community, so as to encourage similar achievement among the remainder of the community’s members; and
WHEREAS, Wayne Blair, university ombuds, has performed exemplary service to the University and has achieved global recognition for the work of UNC-Chapel Hill’s Ombuds Office; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Blair has made it possible through his role as an ombuds for the Employee Forum to fulfill its mission to foster an open and positive environment throughout the University community for 12 years by supporting and counseling faculty, staff and students across the University; and
WHEREAS, he has helped realize the vision of staff and administrators on the Task Force for a Better Workplace by creating a safe space for staff, faculty and students to resolve workplace conflict, seek advice and learn strategies for addressing difficult situations; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Blair was instrumental in bringing to light issues of harassment and discrimination in the housekeeping department and collaborating with the Employee Forum, staff and administrators to restructure the department and put in place measures to help prevent future problems; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Blair has served the University with the utmost integrity and professionalism, while also insisting on openness, transparency and accountability; and,
WHEREAS, in his interactions with individuals on campus who seek his counsel, Mr. Blair has worked to empower employees to use the tools available to them to respond to their situations and has taken action when needed to intervene in tough circumstances; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Blair has lent his expertise to other universities that seek to replicate the success of the UNC-Chapel Hill Ombuds Office, including Wake Tech Community College, East Carolina University, Appalachian State University, N.C. State University, UNC-Charlotte, Western Carolina University, Duke University and UNC-Asheville, among others; and,
WHEREAS, the impact he leaves on the University’s staff, faculty and students will continue after his departure from the University;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Employee Forum hereby confers lifelong honorary Delegate status upon Wayne Blair, along with an open invitation to attend and participate in future deliberations of this body.
Signed on behalf of the Delegates of the Employee Forum
Shayna Hill, Chair