Hayes Named Interim Assistant Vice Chancellor for Civil Rights and Title IX

Hayes will begin MU appointment Sept. 1

August 31st, 2017

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Andrea “Andy” Hayes will serve as the interim assistant vice chancellor for Civil Rights & Title IX at the University of Missouri, effective Sept. 1. Her appointment was announced today by Kevin McDonald, vice chancellor for Inclusion, Diversity & Equity. Hayes will be responsible for assuring compliance with all Title IX laws, monitoring university policies related to Title IX, overseeing grievance and equity resolution procedures, and providing educational materials and training for the campus community.

“I’m truly honored and excited to be working for this fantastic educational institution,” Hayes said. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to continue to make the University of Missouri a place where students, faculty, staff and alumni thrive.”

The Office for Civil Rights & Title IX enforces the university’s non-discrimination policies, educates the community about the university’s policies and practices, connects people to resources that can support them if they experience discrimination or retaliation, and listens to the concerns of the campus community

“Mizzou represents so much to the state of Missouri and to the Columbia community,” Hayes said. “The students, along with the faculty and staff that make up this great institution, deserve an inclusive environment free from discrimination and retaliation.”

Hayes joins MU from EdCounsel, where she has worked since January 2016. EdCounsel is a law firm dedicated exclusively to the representation of public school districts in both general counsel and litigation matters across the states of Missouri and Kansas.

Previously, Hayes served as an assistant prosecuting attorney for Boone County. From 2007 through 2015, she prosecuted thousands of cases, including misdemeanor assaults and first-degree murder. She also worked closely with survivors of domestic and sexual assault. Along with many jury trials, Hayes successfully argued cases in both the Eastern and Western District Court of Appeals. Previously, she was an assistant prosecuting attorney in Audrain County.

“I have been representing public school districts and have gained a great deal of insight into issues surrounding students, faculty and staff,” Hayes said. “The combination of this recent experience paired with many years as an assistant prosecuting attorney — where I worked with numerous survivors of domestic and sexual abuse — has given me a well-rounded knowledge base and perspective I feel will be necessary for success in this position.”

Hayes will replace Ellen Eardley, who announced in July that she would resign from MU’s Office of Civil Rights & Title IX to return to private practice.

Hayes is a graduate of Macon High School. After graduating, she attended the University of Central Missouri, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. She went on to receive her law degree in 2004 from Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas.

“Andy brings a familiarity with MU, strong interpersonal communication skills and a breadth and depth to her experiences that will be an asset to our entire campus community,” McDonald said. “I am pleased that she will be joining us.”