Gwen Lexow is an educator with over 30 years of experience in higher education in a variety of roles. Currently the Associate Vice President for Title IX & Civil Rights Compliance at Bates College, she has also been a faculty member, a coach, and an athletics administrator. A strategic leader who collaborates with colleagues across the college to create a safe and welcoming campus environment for all, she oversees the college’s compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements related to equal opportunity and non-discrimination, including but not limited to Title IX, ADA, Sections 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Violence Against Women Act, the Maine Human Rights Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. She coordinates the implementation of a college-wide strategic plan focused on centralizing reporting processes, ensuring timely, fair and appropriate responses to all reports, and delivering education, training, and prevention programming for compliance with civil rights discrimination laws and regulations. As a critical contributor to the college’s efforts to achieve inclusive excellence, Gwen serves as a central resource for the college community on issues related to Title IX and protected class discrimination and harassment.
Gwen has extensive experience in policy development, case management, and shepherding the resolution of complaints. She is sought out for her ability to navigate often competing compliance requirements while providing compassion and support to all parties involved. Working at a small residential liberal arts college has honed her skills at managing complex social networks that make this work particularly challenging. A core member of the Bates Care Collaborative, Gwen works with other BCC members to assess the need for interventions for students, faculty, and staff who are struggling.
Gwen is a proud graduate of Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois and did her graduate work in the History of American Civilization at Harvard University.