MSU names interim leader of Title IX and Civil Rights office

Rob Kent was named the interim associate vice president of the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance on Monday. Kent replaces Jessica Norris who accepted a new job outside of Michigan.

Kent came to MSU in 2014 as a member of MSU’s Office of General Counsel. He was instrumental in establishing the University Policy on Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct as well as working with the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights during their reviews of MSU’s handling of sexual assault cases.

“We are fortunate to have someone with Rob’s expertise who can step in during this time of transition,” said MSU Interim President John Engler. “His background working with civil rights cases, Title IX policies and being familiar with litigation will be a big asset to our efforts to expand MSU’s response reports of sexual assault and develop effective prevention, education and outreach programs.”

Before coming to MSU, Kent worked at Kitch, Drutchas, Wagner, Valitutti and Sherbrook in Detroit. He received a bachelor’s degree from MSU and a juris doctorate from Wayne State University Law School.

As interim associate vice president, Kent will be responsible for the departments that investigate civil rights and Title IX complaints and that are responsible for prevention, education and outreach efforts. The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance, formed in March, also coordinates with MSU entities that provide crisis and advocacy services to survivors of sexual assault and relationship violence.
MSU is planning a national search for a permanent associate vice president.

Norris joined MSU in 2015 when she became the university’s first stand-alone Title IX coordinator.