May 6, 2025
Dear Colleagues,
I am sharing the message below from Adam Lee, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies, regarding Lena Dowdell's appointment as director of Pitt's Educational Outreach Center (EOC). I know—and appreciate—that many of you have engaged with the EOC in the past and look forward to those relationships continuing to strengthen going forward.
Regards,
Joe
Joseph J. McCarthy
Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor
William Kepler Whiteford Professor
University of Pittsburgh
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Dear Colleagues,
After an extensive national search, I am delighted to announce that Lena Dowdell has been named the director of Pitt’s Educational Outreach Center (EOC), effective May 1, 2025. As you may know, Lena has been serving as Associate Director since December 2023.
The EOC is dedicated to expanding relationships throughout the city, county, and region to help strengthen equitable pathways to college for youth scholars. Through pathway programs like Investing Now, Pittsburgh Public Scholars, Pittsburgh Admissions Collaboration, and Pitt Horizon Scholars, the EOC supports University-wide academic outreach efforts that aim to increase college-going rates for underserved and historically underrepresented youth both at the University of Pittsburgh and beyond.
In her role as Associate Director, Lena established a workplace culture that encourages collaboration, innovation, and growth. Now as Director of the EOC, Lena will work with her team to strengthen internal and external partnerships in service to our youth scholars. The focus of the EOC remains on delivering exceptional tutoring, workshops, and other preparatory programming to prepare pre-collegiate students for admissions and success in higher education.
Prior to joining Pitt, Lena held a decade-long tenure at the East Harlem Scholars Academies, where she began as a classroom teacher and ultimately ascended to the role of Deputy Superintendent of Secondary Schools. Throughout her career, Lena has prioritized building strong connections with students, families, staff, and community partners, fostering an environment of collaboration and respect.
Lena is currently pursuing an EdD in organizational leadership from the University of Dayton and expects to graduate later this month. She also holds an MS in childhood education from Hunter College and a BFA in Musical Theatre from Kent State University.
With an impressive track record of success and a deep understanding of fostering a sense of belonging and promoting pre-collegiate students’ success to college, Lena brings valuable research and administrative experience that aligns with Pitt’s vision and goals. I am confident that she will lead us to new heights of achievement.
I sincerely thank the search committee—chaired by Belkys Torres, Associate Vice Provost for Inclusive Excellence in Education—for its excellent efforts throughout the search process.
Please join me in congratulating Lena.
Best,
Adam
Adam J. Lee, PhD
Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies
Professor of Computer Science
University of Pittsburgh