Meet Our Staff

How We Serve Kansas State University

As outlined in OCR & TIX vision statement, this office serves as a vital resource and leader in promoting and furthering the university's commitment to equity for all members of its community.

The director serves as a liaison between OCR & TIX and certain academic and administrative units. In the director's absence, other staff members will be available. We can provide guidance, interpret policies and procedures, meet with search committees, collaborate with you to resolve complaints, among many other things. Investigative staff conduct investigations of possible violations of the university's anti-discrimination policy, develop relevant training materials and deliver training to the campus community.

Justin Frederick (he/him) - Director & Title IX Coordinator

Strengths: Restorative | Context | Adaptability| Arranger | Responsibility

Justin Frederick OCR Director and Title IX Coordinator Justin Frederick joined OCR & TIX in September 2022 as Interim Director and in July 2023 Justin was named Director of the Office. Justin leads the university's civil rights efforts, including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 503, and compltes compliance requests and coordinates the review of all complaints. In this role, Justin provides leadership in furthering K-State's commitment to equity and opportunity for all members of the K-State community, and serves as a resource to university leadership, faculty, staff, and students regarding civil rights and equity matters. Justin also advances the strategic goals of the university and all aspects of federal/state civil rights as mandated under PPM 3010.

Eric Bicaba (he/him) - Associate Director & Deputy Title IX - Lead Investigator

Strengths: Achiever | Analytical | Consistency | Relator | Discipline

Eric Bicaba Investigator Eric joined OCR & TIX in July 2022 as an Investigator. Prior to KSU, Eric worked as a Child Protective Services Investigator in Tennessee. He led investigations while partnering with different Law Enforcement agencies, from local departments to the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Eric previously worked for United Health Services and conducted internal investigations pertaining to complaints of misconduct and non-compliance. He has experience working in higher education as he worked as the Multicultural Advocate for the Office of Student Life and Leadership at Austin Peay State University. Eric holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree in Management from Austin Peay State University.

Derron Borders (they/he) - Investigator

Strengths: Empathy | Individualization | Input | Intellection | Belief

Derron Borders Investigator

Derron joined OCR & TIX in May 2024 as an Investigator. Originally from Ohio, Derron has worked in higher education for over 14 years, focusing on student development and support. They hold B.A.’s in French and linguistics from The Ohio State University, an M.A. in linguistics from the University of Utah, and an M.A. in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University. Derron is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Adult Learning & Leadership at Kansas State University.

Amanda Ruthstrom (she/her) - Office Manager

Strengths: Responsibility | Communication | Empathy | Includer | Woo

Amanda Ruthstrom Case and Office Manager

Amanda joined OCR & TIX in February 2021 as Office Manager. In this role, she provides essential support to department personnel, manages office operations, and upholds confidentiality while delivering excellent customer service. Additionally, she contributes to case management by overseeing case database entry and maintenance and facilitating communication between relevant parties.

Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Kansas State University in 2014 and has been a lifelong K-State fan. Her diverse background in social work has equipped her with exceptional skills in client engagement and problem-solving, strengthening her ability to support individuals who interact with OCR & TIX.