Barrett Morris, 51ԹϺ’s director of compliance, deals with such things as equity in athletics and accommodations for people with disabilities. He says that when folks on campus see they have a call coming in from the compliance office, they shouldn’t assume something is wrong. After all, the goal of his office is to help university personnel avoid making mistakes in the first place.
Why are you at 51ԹϺ?
I believe in the current leadership at 51ԹϺ. During my interview, I was quickly impressed by both President Len Jessup’s and Vice President (of Diversity Initiatives & Government Affairs) Luis Valera’s visions for my office and the campus as a whole. Therefore, I made the decision to join 51ԹϺ with great confidence, knowing the office of compliance will be supported in doing its part to help 51ԹϺ live out its mission and advance its efforts in all areas of compliance and inclusion.
What are your job duties here?
My job, in short, is to make sure the university complies with all state and federal laws concerning issues such as Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Title VII (of the Civil Rights Act), and that we have the best practices and procedures for complying with such laws. Additionally, my role requires me to educate the campus community in these same areas.
Where did you work previously?
I have worked in compliance for more than 15 years. I started out as a state and federal investigator with the Michigan department of civil rights. From there I moved into higher ed, working as a director for various universities throughout the years, including Purdue, San Jose State, University of San Diego, and Cerritos College.
What drew you to your field?
I have always had a passion for civil rights, fairness, and equality — so much that during my undergraduate studies (at Michigan State University’s James Madison College), I took every class the university had to offer on race and equity. The university took notice and created a specialization and a minor in diaspora studies, which I was the first student to receive.
What is a misconception people have about your field?
There are so many but the biggest is that, when you see compliance calling, (people think) someone is in trouble or there is a problem. Many times it’s only seen as the “enforcement” office.
The office of compliance is here to be a resource to the faculty, staff, and students and to partner with the campus to ensure we do our best at getting it right, the first time.
Finish this sentence: If I weren't able to work in my current field…
…I would be in politics.
One tip for success:
Fail fast.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Los Angeles. However, I was raised in Detroit, where my family moved when I was young. My uncle (Barrett Strong) wrote for Motown Records, which was based in Detroit. My family returned to Los Angeles my senior year of college.
Your proudest moment in life?
Finishing the development of my mobile app, which will be in stores sometime this year. I believe this mobile application will change the way the world approaches and handles complex compliance issues.
Tell us something people would be surprised to learn about you.
I ran for county commissioner of Detroit at 22 years old and again ran for Michigan Legislature at the age of 24.
Who is your hero and why?
My mother. She instilled in me several qualities that have helped me become the person I am today. She did this by not only teaching me lessons in faith, fortitude, focus, accountability, and humility, but by also serving as a living example. There are not words that can express my gratitude for those very valuable lessons.
What are your hobbies?
In my spare time I enjoy reading, writing, sports, and laughing with family and friends.
