Kaaren M. Williamsen

Dr. Kaaren M. Williamsen is a transformative leader in higher education with over two decades of experience in student affairs, sexual misconduct prevention, and restorative justice. Currently serving as the Director of PEAR (Prevention, Education, Assistance, Resources) within the Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office at the University of Michigan, she oversees a dynamic team that works across 19 schools and colleges to build holistic, community-based responses to sexual misconduct through education, policy development, and culture change. Prior to her leadership at PEAR, Dr. Williamsen directed the University of Michigan’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Awareness Center (SAPAC) from 2017 to 2022, where she expanded programming and developed comprehensive prevention strategies for students. Before joining Michigan, 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 held the role of Deputy Title IX Coordinator. Dr. Williamsen is nationally recognized for her groundbreaking work in restorative justice as it applies to campus sexual misconduct. She holds a PhD in Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development from the University of Minnesota. Her doctoral research explored the limitations of traditional adjudication models in sexual misconduct cases and the potential of restorative justice to offer more healing-centered, survivor-driven, and accountable processes. She also holds dual master’s degrees in Women’s Studies and Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology, reinforcing her deep interdisciplinary expertise in gender, student development, and institutional leadership. As Co-Founder of Campus PRISM (Promoting Restorative Initiatives for Sexual Misconduct), Dr. Williamsen has been a catalyst in developing restorative practices tailored to higher education settings. She has helped shape national discourse through consulting, training, and authoring key publications such as Applying Restorative to Campus Sexual Misconduct: A Guide to Emerging Practices (Routledge, 2023). Her work helps institutions balance legal mandates with trauma-informed practices and inclusive, equitable approaches to justice and accountability. A skilled facilitator, educator, and systems thinker, Dr. Williamsen is committed to creating inclusive learning environments where sexual and gender-based violence are addressed with nuance and care. She has trained campus leaders, administrators, and Title IX professionals across the country and contributed to institutional change by helping shape prevention frameworks grounded in healing, empathy, and empowerment. Her scholarly and practical contributions have positioned her as a thought leader in areas such as Title IX compliance, institutional policy development, restorative approaches to conflict, and culturally responsive prevention efforts. Her ability to bridge theory and practice makes her a sought-after consultant and speaker in the higher education and restorative justice communities.