Provost

The University of Pittsburgh invites applications and nominations for the position of Provost. The next Provost will play a key leadership role in shaping and articulating the University’s academic and scholarly mission. S/he will enhance Pitt’s prominence by advancing the academic quality of the University, overseeing the development of a strategic enrollment plan that will pave the way for the coming decade, building the University’s global presence, recognition and impact, and promoting a strong diversity and inclusion agenda across all academic areas. S/he will create infrastructure to further interdisciplinary collaborations across schools and colleges, and will serve as a key communicator of academic priorities and initiatives to University faculty, students, staff, Trustees, alumni, donors, and other constituencies.

Pitt is ranked among the top 25 U.S. public universities according to U.S. News and World Report, and 30th in Thomson Reuters' list of the world's 100 most innovative universities. A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, Pitt is one of the top ten most active universities in terms of federally funded research. Pitt ranks fifth nationally in NIH research funding, as well as 10th overall and sixth among public institutions in the NSF’s most recent ranking of federally funded research. In FY2017, Pitt’s sponsored research and other sponsored programs totaled approximately $765M.

The University is composed of 16 undergraduate and graduate schools and colleges, including nationally recognized schools of health sciences, arts and sciences, engineering, law, and business, as well as four regional campuses. U.S. News and World Report ranks a number of the University’s academic programs among the top 30 in the nation, including physical therapy (#1), occupational therapy (#4), nursing – anesthesia (#4), audiology (#7), speech-language pathology (#7), nursing – doctor of nursing practice (#7), nursing – master’s (#8), pharmacy (#9), social work (#10),  library and information studies (#10), clinical psychology (#11), bioengineering (#12), public health (#13), medical – primary care (#13), medical – research (#15), industrial engineering (#17), rehabilitative counseling (#18), psychology (#26), education (#27), and health care management (#29). QS World University Rankings recognizes Pitt as the top university in the world in philosophy. The following are multidisciplinary research areas where Pitt is a current or emerging leader: aging, bioengineering, computer modeling, drug discovery, energy, global health, humanities, international studies, nanoscience, national preparedness, neuroscience, philosophy, and translational medicine (including biochemistry and organ transplantation).

Under the leadership of Chancellor Patrick Gallagher, the University of Pittsburgh recently launched The Plan for Pitt, the University’s strategic plan, which focuses on creating internal and external collaborations and partnerships of impact; harnessing information in pursuit of grand challenges; and shaping a more entrepreneurial, innovative, and inclusive culture. The Plan builds on Pitt’s rich history of community support and global impact, and its exceptional research strength and academic programs that prepare students for productive and meaningful lives. The Plan also builds on more recent strategic initiatives, such as the creation of the Innovation Institute to advance Pitt’s successes in entrepreneurship, commercialization, and economic development. The Institute's establishment was part of a broader effort to cultivate an environment that empowers faculty, students, and staff to reach greater heights in their innovative research and entrepreneurial activities. With an enrollment of more than 34,000 students (approximately 25,000 of whom are undergraduates), the University is home to 13,000 faculty members, research associates and staff members and has an endowment of more than $3.5 billion.

The University of Pittsburgh seeks to appoint an individual who brings strong academic leadership to an institution deeply committed to the idea of a strong, cohesive university. The next Provost will have a distinguished record of scholarship in her/his own academic discipline, suitable for a tenured appointment as full professor. S/he will have immense intellectual breadth, be flexible and nimble in working across disciplines, and be able to move beyond her/his own field to champion disciplines across every school and college. S/he will be a collaborative leader, with a demonstrated track record of leading successfully through persuasion and the power of her/his ideas to achieve common goals among diverse stakeholders. The University seeks an academic leader who respects academic rigor and excellence as extremely high priorities.

Pitt’s next Provost will be a courageous leader with bold vision. S/he must have a thorough understanding of U.S. higher education, its international context, and its role in economic development, and must be passionate about the educational mission of the University. S/he should be an experienced leader, able to inspire others and build trust, with exceptional listening skills and a genuine desire to be part of the Pitt community. S/he should have a strong commitment to shared governance, and welcome the input of Pitt’s various constituent communities, while being able to make timely and effective decisions.

Inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited. Interested candidates should submit confidentially, in electronic form (Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF files preferred), a curriculum vitae and letter of interest to:

Dr. Jett Pihakis

Pitt.Provost@russellreynolds.com

(202) 654-7800

The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled.