Pitt delays dean search until fall

Pitt is delaying its search for a new dean of students until the start of the fall term after saying in February it would begin the search sometime this summer.

Pitt spokesperson Ken Service said in an email last weekthat the schedule he provided in February was an estimate and said Provost Patricia Beeson is planning a search. Further details will not be available until the start of the fall semester. At that time, Service said, the provost will form a search committee.

Service said in February that students would have a say in the University’s search for a new dean. He said on Tuesday that students will still be able to give their opinion.

Chancellor Patrick Gallagher appointed Kathy Humphrey as senior vice chancellor for engagement and chief of staff on Jan. 14. Kenyon Bonner assumed the role of interim vice provost and dean of students after working as director of student life for the past 11 years and associate dean of students for the past seven.

Pitt currently has two job listings on the the Chronicle of Higher Education’s Vitae website, a search engine for jobs in higher education, including one for a new advising center director, but not one for vice provost and dean of students.

Service would not say why Pitt has not posted a job listing for the position even though it has been looking to fill the position since Jan. 14.

Including Humphrey, Pitt’s last four deans of students have all had doctorate degrees.

Bonner holds a Master’s of Education degree in rehabilitation counseling. Humphrey holds a doctorate in education leadership. Pitt will announce the qualifications for the position at the start of the search, Service said.