January 14, 2026
Dear Colleagues,
I am pleased to share an important update regarding the University’s graduate and professional education infrastructure—one that builds on strong collaboration to date and positions us for even greater success moving forward.
December 8, 2025
Dear Colleagues,
I am pleased to share that I have appointed Michael Colaresi, who currently serves as Associate Vice Provost for Data Science, to serve in a new role as Strategic Advisor to the Provost and Director of the newly established academic Hub for AI and Data Science Leadership (HAIL), effective January 1, 2026.
December 2, 2025
Dear Colleagues,
Pitt Digital will make Claude for Education available to faculty/staff this week and students over winter break as part of our Generative AI @ Pitt offerings. We will send a joint announcement to each group with instructions for getting started, links to training and support resources, and guidance on responsible AI use.
November 4, 2025
Dear Colleagues,
In 2018, during the School of Social Work’s 100th anniversary, Betsy Farmer took on the role of dean, bringing vision and a deep commitment to advancing the school’s strong mission.
Today, I share the news that Betsy has decided to step down from her role and return to faculty, effective July 2026.
September 18, 2025
Dear Colleagues,
I am very pleased to share that I have promoted Amanda Brodish to Assistant Provost for Institutional Research and Analytics. In this capacity, she will serve on the OTP Cabinet and as a member of the Academic Leadership Team.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
