Meet Our Staff
Michael Alston, EdD, CCDP/AP
Associate Vice Chancellor for Access and Compliance
Title IX Coordinator
malston1@uthsc.edu
Michael Alston, EdD, CCDP/AP is an alumnus of UT-Martin with a BS in Psychology and an MS in Educational Psychology. He has an earned doctorate from Peabody College at Vanderbilt University in addition to professional certificates in diversity management from the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University and in leading diversity, equity, and inclusion from the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences at Northwestern University.
His work experiences in higher education, which encompass residence life administration, student recruitment and admissions, undergraduate instruction and training, employee relations, student conduct administration, compliance, and inclusion, are the foundation of his preparation as the Associate Vice Chancellor/Chief Equal Opportunity Officer and leader of the Office of Access and Compliance. Dr. Alston has worked for three UT campuses (Martin, Knoxville, and Memphis) which equals 30+ years of service. Michael is the current board chair of Shelby County’s Civil Service Merit Board in addition to the Influence1 Foundation.
Michael is a native of Brighton, Tennessee in Tipton County and a graduate of Munford High School.
Omar Malik, JD
Senior Compliance Resolution Officer
omalik1@uthsc.edu
Omar Malik joins UTHSC with an extensive litigation and investigative background having spent a large part of his professional career at the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office. Here, he gained vast legal experience performing jury trials where he advocated for victims of crimes seeking justice. He serves the lead investigator for the Office of Access and Compliance and is responsible for the investigation and resolution of complaints involving UT policies and procedures and workplace laws. Omar also develops and conducts training sessions on sexual harassment, boundaries, and other harassment and discrimination topics applicable to higher education. Omar is also a Deputy Title IX Coordinator/Investigator.
Omar received his undergraduate education at the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a minor in business administration. Additionally, Omar Malik graduated from the University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law in 2010 where he received his Juris Doctorate degree and enjoyed participating in the Mock Trial Competitions where he received the Best Oral Advocate Award in 2010.
Omar enjoys giving back to the community he lives in and some of his past activities he has been involved in are participating as a Barrister at the Leo Bearman Sr. American Inn of Court, a Youth Court Attorney Volunteer at Shelby County Juvenile Court, Memphis Bar Association Leadership Forum Graduate, Memphis Bar Association Board Member- Ex Officio Director, and a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Omar is married to his wife, Cheryl Malik. They have three children. In his free time, Omar enjoys running, having recently qualified for the 2025 Boston Marathon, competing in triathlons, and spending time with his family.
Abigail Marbibi-Caritan, MA
Senior Assurance Officer
abigail.caritan@uthsc.edu
Abigail coordinates the implementation of the OAC’s equal employment opportunity efforts in DASH for executive, faculty, and professional searches across all departments/divisions. She ensures institutional compliance and leads the coordination of accommodation and accessibility, including religious accommodations from students, staff, and faculty, accessible parking, and requests from residents/fellows, staff, and faculty regarding work-related accommodations related to the ADA/Section 504. Abigail oversees search procedures training, compiling data for searches, and investigating complaints alleging harassment and discrimination.
Abigail is a University of Memphis graduate. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in May 2017 and a Master of Professional Studies degree with a concentration in Human Resource Leadership and Strategic Leadership certification in December 2021. Abigail has been with OAC since March 2022.
Erin McElyea, MS
Civil Engagement Officer
emcelyea@uthsc.edu
As the Civil Engagement Officer, Erin specializes in Title IX education and programming. Erin’s primary duties include investigating complaints asserting violations of UTHSCs sexual misconduct policy and equal opportunity policies, as well as all corresponding federal, state, and local laws, regulations, ordinances, executive orders and guidance governing Title IX and equal opportunity (i.e., non-Title IX matters), as well as preparing comprehensive reports based on impartial investigations. Erin is also responsible for coordinating Title IX hearings as needed.
Erin received her BA in Sociology from the University of Southern Mississippi and her MS in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University. Erin joined UTHSC in October 2023 after serving 22 years with Desoto County Schools in North Mississippi. Erin began her career in K-12 education as a U.S. History teacher in both Horn Lake Middle School and Horn Lake High School, moving into administration after 12 years in the classroom. As an Assistant Principal, she was a part of the leadership teams at Horn Lake Intermediate, Olive Branch Intermediate and Hernando Hills Elementary.
Erin is a native to the Mid-South area and is a graduate of Hernando High School in Hernando, MS.
Tammie Washington
Engagement Coordinator
twashi16@uthsc.edu
As the Engagement Coordinator, Tammie coordinates support of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center's K-12 goals. She develops and maintains relationships on behalf of the OAC with high school personnel and external organizations, prospective students and their families, professional communities, and other constituencies.
Tammie is a Deputy Title IX Investigation Assistant and serves as a liaison to Communications and Marketing, Human Resources, and Student Success. She is also involved with employee engagement initiatives like the annual Lichterman, Chancellor's Exempt Staff, and Chancellor's Faculty programs through the annual IMPACT Awards.
Tammie was born and raised in Memphis and attended the University of Tennessee, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 2021. Her hobbies include traveling, yoga, and spending time with her cats. Tammie joined the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in February 2024.
Jay Sawe
Access Associate
jsaweuthsc.edu
Jay is the Access Associate in the Office of Access Compliance (OAC). She is responsible for the coordination of administrative processes for the OAC team, departmental operations, managing events, assisting students, trainees, staff, faculty, and the public, providing confidential support with intakes and investigations, social media postings, reviewing and responding to calls and inquiries, and dealing with sensitive and official concerns as appropriate.
Her employment journey spans industries such as healthcare and business, and these experiences demonstrate her adaptability and acquired diversity in having the requisite skills, knowledge, and abilities that make her a positive addition. Jay is excited to be on the UT Health Science Center team and delighted at the opportunity to contribute to the campus culture in winning ways that support our mission and vision.
Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Jay’s background and life experiences have shaped her dedication to being personable, welcoming, thoughtful, and inclusive. Jay enjoys all things music, reading, painting, and writing poetry outside of work—creative outlets that inspire and enrich her life.