Kaaren M. Williamsen

Kaaren M. Williamsen is Director of PEAR (Prevention Education, Assistance & Resources) in the Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office at the University of Michigan. PEAR is a new 7-person office focused on providing prevention and policy education for faculty and staff, as well as by providing assistance to all 19 schools and colleges as they holistically respond to sexual misconduct in their communities. She has also served as Director of SAPAC (Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center) at the University of Michigan. Prior to U-M, she served as the Title IX Coordinator at Swarthmore College, and was the founding director of the Gender and Sexuality Center at Carleton College, where she also served as a Deputy Title IX Coordinator. Kaaren has masters’ degrees in women’s studies (Minnesota State, Mankato) and counseling and student personnel psychology (University of Minnesota, Twin Cities); she holds a Ph.D. in organizational leadership, policy, and development from the University of Minnesota. She is a co-founder of Campus PRISM (Promoting Restorative Initiatives for Sexual Misconduct) and is a restorative justice facilitator trainer and consultant.