Meet the Ombuds

Jill Crainshaw (’84), PhD, CO-OP

Jill Crainshaw serves as the Wake Forest University Ombuds, providing a confidential, impartial, and supportive resource for faculty, staff, and administrators navigating workplace challenges.

A Certified Organizational Ombuds Professional (CO-OP), Jill brings deep experience in higher education and a commitment to fostering clarity, collaboration, and respectful communication within the university community.

A Trusted Member of the Wake Forest Community

Jill has been a part of Wake Forest’s learning community for over two decades and is passionate about supporting colleagues in exploring professional roles, relationships, and workplace dynamics.

She is also a Professor of Practical Theology in the School of Divinity, where she teaches courses in Spirituality and Health Justice, Spirituality, Health, and Aging, and Transformative Leadership.

A Commitment to Ethical Leadership & Professional Growth

Jill’s approach to the Ombuds role is informed by her expertise in self-awareness, leadership, and professional ethics. She is certified by FaithTrust Institute, Inc. to lead healthy boundaries workshops for religious professionals and has extensive experience helping individuals develop strategies for effective communication and conflict resolution.

Qualifications & Training

• Jill Crainshaw is a Certified Organizational Ombuds Professional (CO-OP) and a member of the International Ombuds Association (IOA).
• She has completed the IOA’s foundational training as well as additional seminars and workshops on conflict resolution and workplace communication.

Education & Wake Forest Ties

• PhD, Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education
• BA, Wake Forest University (Class of 1984)

Whether you are facing a professional challenge, seeking guidance, or simply need a confidential space to talk through concerns, Jill is here to listen, support, and help you navigate the path forward.