Coastal Carolina University President David A. DeCenzo has named business professor J. Kay Keels the Title IX coordinator for the University, effective July 1.

The Title IX coordinator is responsible for the administration and oversight of the University’s compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and subsequent regulations, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in any educational institution receiving federal funds. Title IX requires the University to provide and communicate policies, processes and educational programming relating to sexual violence. The Title IX coordinator will oversee training for prevention, crisis management and related judicial/disciplinary processes applicable to students, faculty and staff.

“This important appointment will assure that the University is meeting our mission and truly conducting business in an environment free of discriminatory practice,” said DeCenzo. “Professor Keels will provide an independent perspective of our policies and processes relating to sexual violence and will help guide the fulfillment of our commitment to fostering mutual respect and trust throughout the University community.”

In addition to responsibilities as Title IX coordinator, Keels will continue to teach in the E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration, where she is an associate professor of strategic management and the Col. Lindsey H. Vereen Endowed Business Professor. She joined the University faculty in 2005 and was promoted to associate professor with tenure in 2008. She served as a member of the Campus Judicial Board (now Student Conduct Board) from 2006 to 2009. In 2011, she received the University’s Student Affairs Division Award, in recognition of exemplary service and advocacy for students.

Keels earned a Ph.D. in strategic management from the University of South Carolina, a Master of Divinity degree from Emory University's Candler School of Theology, an M.Ed. in recreation administration from the University of Georgia, and a bachelor’s degree in special education from Columbia College. Prior to joining the CCU faculty, Keels taught at Louisiana State University's College of Business where she received the Outstanding Faculty Award for Women and Gender Studies.