Donica Thomas Varner

Donica Thomas Varner is the current Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary at Oberlin College. Donica has held this position since March 2018. Prior to their current role, they served as the Associate General Counsel at the University of Michigan from July 2002 to June 2017. In this role, they represented the University of Michigan in federal and state courts on a variety of employment and student related matters. Donica also provided legal advice in the areas of employment, immigration compliance, and student affairs. Additionally, they served as the Faculty, Staff, and Students Practice Group Leader, Chair of the Faculty and Staff Immigration Services Advisory Council, Co-Chair of the Minors on Campus Steering Committee, and a member of the International Travel Oversight Committee. Before their time at the University of Michigan, Ms. Varner served as the Assistant General Counsel at Wayne State University from January 2000 to July 2002 where they represented the public research university before trial and appellate courts at the state and federal level in employment and personal injury matters. Additionally, they advised internal clients regarding legal compliance and employment matters and served on the bargaining team negotiating labor contract with a major union. Ms. Varner received their J.D. from Harvard Law School and their B.A. from Cornell University.

Donica Thomas Varner received a High School Diploma from SHAPE American High School in Belgium. Donica then went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Government from North Carolina State University. Finally, they earned their Doctor of Law (JD) from the University of Michigan Law School.

Donica Thomas Varner reports to Martha E. Pollack, President. Some of their coworkers include Jens D. Ohlin - Interim Dean of the Law School, Benjamin Z. Houlton - Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Michael I. Kotlikoff - Provost.