Joani Wilson, deputy director for the WIU Registrar's office, has been named the director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access (EOA).
Wilson has served as the deputy director since 2017, while also serving as interim registrar in 2021. Previously, she has served as an admissions/records supervisor for Distance Education Support (2009-16), admissions/records officer II and supervisor in Admissions (2000-08), admissions/records officer I/II for Non Traditional Programs (1995-96) and secretary III for the University Advising Center (1993-95) at WIU, as well as a payroll specialist in Human Resources at Sun Bank of Lee County in Fort Myers, FL (1991-92).
“Joani’s extensive experience, institutional knowledge and ability to collaborate makes her the ideal candidate for this position. We are confident that she will continue to be successful in her leadership and make a positive impact on the students, faculty and staff here at WIU,” Executive Director of Human Resources Cassandra Standberry said.
The director of EOA reports to the executive director of Human Resources and oversees WIU compliance with Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity and Access policies and programs and Title IX. The director collaborates with University faculty, staff, administrators and students to uphold and enhance WIU’s affirmative action and equal opportunity programs and values.
The EOA office ensures that University policies and programs are in compliance with federal and state regulatory agencies, including Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Office of Civil Rights (OCR). The University Anti-Harassment policy is administered by the EOA director, the director is also the Campus Compliance Coordinator for the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Title IX Coordinator for the University.
“I am excited about this new chapter in my WIU career, and hope I can be a positive influence for students, faculty and staff across campus,” Wilson said.
Wilson received both a Bachelor of Business and a Master of Science from Western Illinois University.