Darci Heroy will continue in her role as associate vice president and Title IX coordinator permanently, the University of Oregon announced in a press release yesterday.

Heroy has served as interim Title IX coordinator since February 2016. She was originally offered the position permanently, but declined. Her role was slated to end in February 2017. She will continue to work on university issues pertaining to Title IX, a federal law supporting equal opportunity and prohibiting sex-based discrimination in education.

The university conducted a national search to fill the position. Four candidates were interviewed, but none received a job offer.

UO Spokesperson Tobin Klinger said that one reason the university had trouble finding a coordinator is because it’s a role in high demand across universities.

The position, which oversees sexual assault prevention and response, was created after students protested the university’s treatment of sexual assault victims in February 2015. Heroy gained experience in this area while working in the UO Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity, conducting sexual misconduct investigations.

“We’re thrilled to have her on board permanently,” said Klinger. “She’s really stepped in and helped to move things forward. It’s really a behind-the-scenes job to make sure the policies are in place and we can be effective in serving the needs of those who have been victims of sexual violence.”

Heroy said in the press release that she is proud to work towards “an even more equitable, compassionate and safe community for all of our students and employees.”