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Provost Announcements

Pitt EDGE Announcement

August 12, 2025

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to share an exciting development that reflects the University of Pittsburgh’s ongoing commitment to both academic excellence and innovation in digital education.

Effective July 1, Pitt Online has officially merged with the University’s Center for Excellence in Digital Education (Pitt EDGE). This integration marks a significant step forward in our strategic initiative to expand high-quality online learning and build the internal capacity needed to meet the evolving demands of today’s learners and tomorrow’s workforce.

Interim Leadership at the University Center for Teaching and Learning

Dear Colleagues,

As you likely know, Michael Bridges advised me in February of his decision to retire from his role as Executive Director of the University Center for Teaching and Learning (UCTL) effective June 30, 2025.

To ensure a smooth transition, I am pleased to announce that, effective July 7, Michael Arenth and Bridget Ridge will serve as Interim Co-Executive Directors of the UCTL.

Announcement: New Director of the University Center for Social and Urban Research

May 29, 2025

Dear Colleagues,

After a national search, I am pleased to announce that Shannon Wanless has been appointed as the Director of the University Center for Social and Urban Research (UCSUR), effective July 1, 2025.

In this role, Shannon will report directly to me with a dotted line relationship with the Vice Chancellor for External Relations. She will continue her appointment as a tenured associate professor in the School of Education.

Announcing new leadership: Pre-Health Resource Center

May 27, 2025

Dear Colleagues,

I am sharing the message below from Adam Lee, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies, regarding the appointment of Mike Chirdon-Jones as director of Pitt's Pre-Health Resource Center (PHRC). I know—and appreciate—that many of you have engaged with the PHRC 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

Announcing the new director of Pitt’s Educational Outreach Center

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

A New Role for Shelome Gooden: Provost Faculty Fellow

February 25, 2025

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to announce that I have appointed Shelome Gooden as a Provost Faculty Fellow, effective February 24, 2025.

In this role, over the next two years, she will contribute to strategic planning and initiatives aligned with the Plan for Pitt 2028, with a focus on amplifying research in the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS) and advancing faculty and leadership development.

A New Role for David Sanchez: Provost Faculty Fellow

February 19, 2025

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to announce that I have appointed David Sanchez as a Provost Faculty Fellow, effective February 1, 2025.

In this role, David will lead efforts to strengthen faculty mentorship and enhance academic advising, ensuring that all students receive the holistic, student-centered support they need to navigate the vast array of opportunities available at Pitt.

Transition in the University Center for Teaching and Learning

February 19, 2025

Dear Colleagues,

I am writing to let you know that Michael Bridges, Executive Director of the University Center for Teaching and Learning (UCTL) has advised me that he will be retiring from the University effective June 30, 2025. In the time ahead, I plan to name an interim executive director as we consider timing of a search for a permanent leader.

Announcing the Appointment of the New Dean of the School of Law

January 8, 2025

Dear Colleagues,

Today, I am very pleased to announce that, after a comprehensive national search, Professor and Vice Dean Jerry Dickinson has been named the new dean of the School of Law effective January 15, 2025.

A Pittsburgh native, Jerry has built a national, international, and local reputation as a constitutional law scholar and civil rights lawyer. He has extensive litigation and transactional pro bono experience in civil rights and civil liberties.