Graham named University ombuds officer

By Ruth Stevens on Feb. 16, 2009, 10:32 a.m.
Diedrick (D.A.) Graham

Diedrick (D.A.) Graham Photo: Brian Wilson

Diedrick (D.A.) Graham, Princeton's associate ombuds officer for the past year, has been promoted to ombuds officer.

Graham, whose appointment is effective Feb. 16, will provide assistance to campus community members who have concerns, complaints or other issues regarding their work or studies. The ombuds office offers confidential consultations and can help develop solutions to problems through mediation, individual coaching, group facilitation or training, or referrals to other University services.

"D Graham has contributed significantly to the Princeton community since his arrival here last year," said Provost Christopher Eisgruber. "As a result, he has already won many fans around this campus. D is a talented ombuds officer, and I expect that he will do an excellent job in this important role. I look forward to working with him."

Graham said, "I love working for Princeton University, and I hope to be able to continue building strong relationships across the campus community. I am proud of what I have accomplished thus far, and I am ready for this new challenge. I am grateful to be the next University ombuds officer and build on the foundation laid by others before me. Like each of them, I will do my best to preserve and enhance the role and reputation of the ombuds office and Princeton University."

Graham was the student ombudsman at San Diego State University for two years before coming to Princeton in February 2008. He also previously was a U.S. Navy chaplain, serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and receiving the Military Chaplains Association Chaplain of the Year Award.

A graduate of the University of Alabama, Graham holds a master of divinity degree from the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta and a master of human relations degree, with a specialization in mediation and negotiation, from the University of Oklahoma. He is a member of the International Ombudsman Association, the Association for Conflict Resolution and the American Society for Training and Development.

Graham succeeds Camilo Azcarate, who is now manager of mediation services at the World Bank.

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