Meet the Title IX Team
In accordance with Title IX regulations, Kent State University has designated Richantae Johnson as Director, Gender Equity & Title IX Coordinator to maintain and enforce the university’s policies and compliance efforts regarding gender equity and Title IX compliance. Questions regarding Title IX compliance, non-compliance, reports involving sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, or stalking, may be directed to:

Richantae Johnson, J.D.
Director, Gender Equity & Title IX Coordinator
330-672-6272 | rjohn163@kent.edu
As the Director, Gender Equity & Title IX Coordinator Richantae Johnson coordinates the University’s responsibilities under Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in all operations of the University, as well as retaliation. Richantae leads the University’s response and compliance efforts related to Title IX, coordinates resources for those affected by sexual harassment and sexual violence, organizes training and awareness efforts, and monitors the implementation of the University’s discrimination and sexual violence policy.
Richantae previously worked as a Compliance Investigator & Deputy Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Gender Equity & Title IX. Prior to joining Kent State, Richantae was a litigator handling cases relating to domestic violence and sexual assault. Richantae graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Florida Gulf Coast University and earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Florida.

Abi Mello
Title IX Intake & Case Coordinator
330-672-6299 | amello@kent.edu
Abigail (Abi) Mello (she/her) serves as Title IX Intake and Case Coordinator. In this role, she will be your first point of contact after a report or formal complaint is filed. Her office is stocked with a variety of coffee k-cups, teas, and snacks. She is available to answer any questions that you might have about the Title IX process regardless of whether you want to report or not!
Abi previously worked as an Advocate, providing assistance through the criminal and civil justice processes. Abi has also previously interned with KSU SRVSS and volunteered at Townhall II. She has special interests in comprehensive sex education, harm reduction methods, trauma-informed care, and student retention. She has managed marketing campaigns regarding consent education, bystander intervention, and violence prevention.
Abi received her Associates from Franciscan University and her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Walsh University in North Canton.

Veronica Tomasko
Title IX Administrative Coordinator
330-672-6272 | vtomasko@kent.edu
Veronica Tomasko (she/her) serves as Title IX Administrative Coordinator. In this role, she provides administrative and project support for the department. She serves as the point of contact between the office and our constituents to meet the needs of the office, resolve issues, complete projects, and other administrative functions.
Veronica previously worked at a law firm as an Administrative Assistant, providing assistance to the marketing department. She also completed an internship as a Victim Advocate. While there, she learned trauma informed interviewing and the experiences of navigating legal systems for victims who have experienced crisis, violence, and tragedy.
Veronica received her Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice and a minor in Sociology from the University of Akron.
University Deputy Title IX Coordinators

Pamela Fitzgerald
Director, EOAA and Deputy Title IX Coordinator
330-672-2521
pfitzge3@kent.edu

Phil Tizio
Associate Athletic Director Compliance & Deputy Title IX Coordinator
330-672-8400
ptizio@kent.edu

Michelle Rura
Associate Athletic Director for Sports Medicine & Deputy Title IX Coordinator
330-672-8439
mrura1@kent.edu

Jacqueline Fausnight
Compliance Investigator
330-672-0771
jfausni2@kent.edu