Joan T.A. Gabel announced as new Chancellor at University of Pittsburgh

Following approval from the University of Pittsburgh Board of Trustees earlier today, Joan T.A. Gabel was announced as Pitt’s new chancellor, a role she will begin in July 2023. Gabel, who has served as the University of Minnesota’s president since 2019, will collaborate with U of M leaders over the coming months on the presidential transition.

“Since joining the University of Minnesota, Joan has led the University through some of the most challenging years in its history,” said University of Minnesota Board of Regents Chair Ken Powell. “She expertly navigated a global pandemic and its continued disruptions, through a time of both seismic shifts in higher education and great change here in Minnesota. I’m deeply appreciative of everything she has invested and accomplished as our president.

“We will have more information in the coming weeks about how our Board will navigate the critically important search and selection process to hire a new President for the University of Minnesota, as well as a plan for the interim after Joan’s departure,” added Powell.

Powell’s full statement regarding Gabel’s departure can be read here.

“Over the last four years, guided by our first comprehensive systemwide strategic plan, MPact 2025, we’ve accomplished so much together, accelerating the University’s momentum with record graduation rates, research funding, philanthropy and elevating the University into the Top 25 among public universities, amongst countless others,” said Gabel. “While it is bittersweet to depart this incredible community of scholars and service-minded leaders at a time when the University is on such an upward trajectory, I am confident that because of our shared stewardship, particularly in navigating through one of the most impactful and consequential chapters in our history, the University of Minnesota’s best days lie ahead. For that, I will be forever thankful.” 

Gabel shared a message with the more than 80,000 students, faculty and staff that are part of the U of M’s five-campus system on Monday as well, which can be read here.

Gabel was chosen as the U of M’s 17th president after a national search in 2019 to replace outgoing president Eric Kaler. Gabel was inaugurated on July 1, 2019, becoming the first woman to serve as University of Minnesota President since its founding in 1851. She oversaw the creation of the University’s comprehensive systemwide strategic plan, MPact 2025, a plan that has guided record-setting annual research expenditures, as well as unmatched start-ups launched, patents issued and private giving. From the outset of her presidency, Gabel committed to addressing the mental health challenges facing students nationwide and launched PRISMH, the President’s Initiative on Student Mental Health, an initiative that is continuing to grow today. She also advanced PIPSM, the President’s Initiative to Prevent Sexual Misconduct, and oversaw its transition into a permanent program, the Sexual Misconduct Prevention Program.

Additionally, in Spring 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic challenged higher education in ways never before seen and Gabel led the University’s efforts to address the significant public health concerns while continuing to serve and advance the University’s mission.

Details about the search for the University of Minnesota’s 18th president will be forthcoming. Specific information about when and how that search will be conducted, as well as the interim leadership plan for the University, will be shared when it is available.