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An effective, informal, and neutral channel for students, staff, and faculty to voice Washington State University-related concerns.
Function
The primary purpose of the office is to protect the interests, rights, and privileges of students, staff, and faculty at all levels and locations of WSU operations and programs. The Ombuds is a neutral and confidential resource to all members of the university community. The Ombuds Office provides information about WSU policies and procedures. We also facilitate the resolution of problems and grievances through informal investigation and mediation. The office does not supersede other university grievance, complaint, or appeal procedures.
We use the term “ombuds,” to refer to one or more ombuds in accordance with International Ombuds Association practices.
Staff
 | Justin Denney, Ombuds Justin Denney has been a faculty member at Washington State University since 2017. Prior to WSU, he was a faculty member at Rice University in Houston. He received his PhD in Sociology with a Certificate in Demography from the University of Colorado, Boulder and is the William Julius Wilson Distinguished Professor in the College of Arts and Sciences. He began working as a Faculty Ombuds in 2022 and has completed formal training from the International Ombuds Association, Mental Health First Aid, and the Chicago Center for Conflict Resolution. |
 | Lenka Perkins, Ombuds Lenka Perkins has been employed at Washington State University since 2007 and spent the first 17 years of her career with the Office of Internal Audit working with the university community to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of internal controls and operating activities. Lenka joined the Office of the Ombuds in December of 2024 and subsequently completed formal training through the International Ombuds Association in January of 2025. She plans to continue to seek out training opportunities in Mental Health First Aid as well as conflict resolution and mediation training. Lenka is also a proud WSU alumna and is dedicated to providing compassionate ombuds services to the university community. |
 | Janet Herrlinger, Principal Assistant to the Ombuds Janet Herrlinger has been employed by WSU since 2005. Prior to coming to WSU she spent 15 years in Washington, DC, where she worked for government, research, and international organizations. She joined the Ombuds Office in 2011. Janet received formal training from the International Ombuds Association in October 2011. |
Location:
French 134
PO Box 641015
Pullman, WA 99164-1015
Phone: 509-335-1195
Email: ombuds@wsu.edu
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
(or by appointment, call 335-1195)