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 encompass residence life administration, student recruitment and admissions, undergraduate instruction and training, employee relations, student conduct administration, equity, and diversity. 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.
Michael is a native of Brighton, Tennessee in Tipton County and graduate of Munford High School.
Miriam Ghandi
ADA/EEO Management Specialist
mghandi@uthsc.edu
As the ADA/EEO Management Specialist, Miriam’s duties include facilitating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Interactive Process, overseeing EEO compliance, primary complaint intake and investigation assistance, and posting Post-Doctoral Scholar and faculty positions.
As a Memphis native, Miriam attended the University of Memphis and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology in Fall of 2020. She joined the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in early December 2021.
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 where he gained vast legal experience performing jury trials where he advocated for victims of crimes seeking justice.
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
Associate Assurance Officer
abigail.caritan@uthsc.edu
Abigail’s duties include processing ADA accommodations including Trainee accommodations and accessible parking. She is the liaison for faculty postings for the College of Medicine for all campuses and the College of Dentistry. Upper-level searches for the Executive Vice Chancellor Administration and AFSA are also part of her duties. Abigail oversees Title IX Education for Trainees, compiling data for the EEO / Affirmative Action Plan and complaint intake.
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 Associate
twashi16@uthsc.edu
As the Engagement Associate, Tammie's duties include planning and executing compliance, engagement, and access program initiatives. Serving as a Deputy Title IX Investigation Assistant, she manages confidential records and award programs such as the Lichterman Award, the Chancellor's Exempt Staff Award, and the Chancellor's Faculty Award. Tammie collaborates with the Office of Communication and Marketing and ensures cohesive branding and effective communication. She coordinates training, handles administrative tasks, and fosters efficiency. She plays a role in the success of the Office of Access and Compliance programs and initiatives.
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.