Pitt has appointed Jay Darr as the new director of the University Counseling Center, according to a press release. The University Counseling Center has been without a full-time director for 19 months since the previous director, Edward Michaels, was arrested on charges of possession of child pornography.

Darr, a U.S. Army veteran, previously worked at the University of North Texas as a licensed counselor and liaison for the athletics department and men’s Greek life. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at West Virginia University and earned a Ph.D. and another master’s degree from Duquesne University.

“Dr. Darr will play a key role in leading the UCC as it continues to support our students’ well-being,” Kenyon Bonner, Pitt vice provost and dean of students, said in the press release. “I look forward to supporting Dr. Darr in his efforts to provide high-quality and timely mental health services to meet the evolving needs of our diverse student population.”

According to Kevin Zwick, the University’s communications manager, Darr will begin his position Feb. 18.

“I am thrilled to have him become part of the Wellness Center team,” Marian Vanek, executive director of the Wellness Center, said in the release. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Pitt. I am looking forward to working together to continue to enhance the counseling center experience at the University.”