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Provost Announcements

New Director of the Learning Research and Development Center

September 4, 2024

Dear Colleagues,

As you may remember, in October of 2023, Charles (Chuck) Perfetti shared his intention to step down from his long-standing and impressive role as director of the Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC). I then launched a national search for his successor. I am very pleased to announce that, after a diligent search, I have appointed Elizabeth Votruba-Drzal to serve as the LRDC’s next director, effective September 1, 2024.

Leadership Transition in UCIS

July 9, 2024

Dear Colleagues,

For the past seven years, Ariel C. Armony has been a vital part of the Office of the Provost’s cabinet, joining first as Vice Provost for Global Affairs in August 2017 and continuing as Vice Chancellor for Global Affairs since July 2022. In these roles, and as director of the University Center for International Studies (UCIS), Ariel has worked passionately to advance the University of Pittsburgh’s global plan.

Vice Provost Transition

July 2, 2024

Dear Colleagues,

I want to share with you the news of a shift taking place in the Office of the Provost leadership.

First, Steve Wisniewski has advised me of his decision to step away from the Office of the Provost to pursue new professional opportunities effective on or before July 15, 2024.

Announcing the Appointment of the New Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies

June 27, 2024

Dear Colleagues, 

I am extremely pleased to share the news that Adam J. Lee, currently serving as Executive Associate Dean in the School of Computing and Information (SCI), has accepted my offer to become the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies in the Office of the Provost (OTP). His transition from SCI to the OTP will be phased, with full-time appointment effective September 1, 2024.

Announcing the Appointment of New Vice Provost for Student Affairs

May 29, 2024

Dear Colleagues,

After a thorough national search, I am pleased to announce that Dr. Carla Panzella has been named Vice Provost for Student Affairs, effective June 1, 2024.

As you may know, Carla has been serving as Interim Vice Provost since January 2024. Prior to that assignment, she served as the Dean of Students since August 2021 and as Associate Vice Provost since December 2022.

Extension of the Year of Discourse and Dialogue

March 28, 2024

Dear Colleagues,

In April of last year, we announced that academic year 2023-24 would be the Year of Discourse and Dialogue at the University of Pittsburgh. That timely theme was inspired by the many ways in which Higher Education has been at the forefront of engagement around respecting divergent viewpoints—and in establishing the important space for various viewpoints to continue to find opportunities for expression. 

Clyde Pickett Named New "Year of" Co-chair

December 7, 2023

Dear Colleagues, 

As you know, this academic year is the Year of Discourse and Dialogue at the University of Pittsburgh.  

I am grateful to Kenyon Bonner, Vice Provost for Student Affairs, and Carissa Slotterback, Dean of the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, for the excellent work they have undertaken to date with the committee they created to lead efforts around the Year of Discourse and Dialogue.