Ashley Pritts named OEOA director

Following a national search, Ashley Pritts will fill the role of director of Illinois State University’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Access (OEOA) effective November 1, 2024. Pritts joined Illinois State as a staff member in 2013, and most recently served as OEOA’s assistant director and deputy Title IX coordinator.

Working under the supervision of the president of Illinois State University, the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access oversees and enforces the University’s program to prevent, detect, and respond appropriately to violations of University policy and applicable state and federal laws related to anti-harassment and non-discrimination statutes.

“I am delighted Ashley will be taking on this important charge,” said Illinois State University President Aondover Tarhule. “I am confident that the knowledge and experience she has gained during her time in the OEOA will prove to be beneficial in her new role.”

Pritts earned a B.A. in English Education (’08) and M.S. in College Student Personnel Administration (’19), both from Illinois State.  She returned to her alma mater to work in Alumni Relations and has since served in different roles within the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access since 2017, holding her most recent position since 2022.

“I am a proud Redbird who has grown and developed knowledge and skills on this campus over the last 12 years, and I am excited to continue to give back to my ISU,” said Pritts. “I am grateful for this opportunity to continue working hard to improve and advance the work of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access.”

President Tarhule also thanks Mboka Mwilambwe, who has served as interim director and interim Title IX coordinator since 2023. Mwilambwe will remain on the OEOA team and return to his previous role on November 1, reporting to Pritts.