Melissa Emerson, CO-OP® (she/her)

University Ombuds

Melissa is serving as Dean of Students on Semester at Sea and is out of the office until January 2026. During this time, please contact Matt Ricke (see below) for assistance.

Melissa serves as the University Ombuds for Colorado State University.  She’s worked at the University since 2005 and brings extensive experience and a strong theoretical background in analyzing, mediating and managing disputes at the interpersonal and organization levels. Melissa earned a graduate degree in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Justice Studies from Montana State University.  She is a member of the International Ombuds Association and the Association for Conflict Resolution. Melissa is a Certified Organizational Ombuds Practitioner (CO-OP®).

In her spare time Melissa enjoys traveling, water sports, collecting sea glass and skiing with her kids. She hopes to one day win the tv show, Survivor.

Melissa can be reached by phone at 491-1527 or via email at [email protected].  Her office located in the General Services Building #316 and is available for in-person, phone, and virtual meetings.

Matt Ricke, Ph.D., Certified Organizational Ombuds (he/they)

University Ombuds

Matt serves as a University Ombuds for Colorado State University. Prior to becoming a university ombuds, Matt worked in residence life, student conduct, student leadership development, Title IX and equal opportunity programs, and teaching faculty. They bring expertise in civil rights, compliance and ethics, coaching, and conflict transformation to this role. Matt holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education and Student Affairs Leadership from the University of Northern Colorado, M.S. from Minnesota State University, and B.A. from Western Michigan University. Matt is a Board Certified Coach (BCC) with an endorsement in Executive and Leadership Coaching as well as a Certified Organizational Ombuds. Matt serves as co-chair of the Ombuds Committee of the American Bar Association (Dispute Resolution Section) and is a member of the International Ombuds Association, Mediators Beyond Borders International, and the American Academy of Experts on Traumatic Stress.

In their free time, Matt enjoys gardening, baking, and spending time with their family, three dogs, and cat. Matt also aspires to complete yoga teacher training in the future.

Matt can be reached by phone at 491-0936 or via email at [email protected]. Their office is located in the General Services Building #316. Matt is available for in-person, phone, and virtual meetings.

Meara Faw, Ph.D.

Interim University Ombuds

Meara is serving as interim Ombuds during Fall 2025 while Melissa Emerson is out at Semester at Sea. She is an Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies for the Communication Studies Department at Colorado State University. She joined the faculty at CSU in 2017 and became a certified mediator and restorative justice practitioner in 2020. She has served as a volunteer mediator and facilitator for the City of Fort Collins since 2020. Meara has both her MA and PhD in Communication Studies from the University of Washington, with research and teaching expertise in conflict management, supportive conversations, and caregiving communication.

When she’s not working, Meara enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, traveling, and spending time outside with her husband and three golden retrievers.

Meara can be reached by phone at 970-491-5191 or via email at [email protected].