By SUSAN JONES
As news spread about Pitt’s selection of Joan Gabel as its next chancellor, reaction was quick to follow.
Chancellor Patrick Gallagher: The outgoing chancellor, who knows Gabel through AAU meetings, said at a news conference that he couldn’t be more pleased “to be giving the baton to a friend and colleague.”
“Joan is even better than advertised. She’s the real deal. She’s coming from one of the premier public universities in the whole country to come to Pitt and do the same magic here. And I just couldn’t be more excited, and all I can say, Pitt and Pittsburgh, you’re going to love the Gabels.”
Robin Kear, Senate Council president: “I think Joan will bring fresh energy and a great perspective to leading our University. She seems committed to shared governance and I look forward to working with her through our robust shared governance processes.”
Kristin Kanthak, Senate Council vice president and political science faculty member: “It’s great to have a woman. I think that it’s time. She is incredibly capable and has a great profile. I think the energy and excitement around here is really palpable. I think a lot of people are really excited about this.”
Chris Bonneau, immediate past president of Senate Council and political science faculty member: “She has a lot of experience. I’m excited about her experience with the capital campaign and having gone through strategic plans and so looking forward to getting to know her and working together.”
Danielle Floyd, Student Government president and search committee member: “I think Joan is great. I think she brings a unique perspective to the University. I’m really excited to see what she will do as our next chancellor.”
Sarah Gaffen, professor in the Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology and search committee member: “I’m really excited. I think she’s going to be a dynamic and exciting leader. It’s great to have a woman at the helm.”
Lindsay Rodzwicz Burns, Staff Council president: Staff Council is excited with the naming of Joan T. A. Gabel as chancellor-elect and the first woman to lead the University of Pittsburgh. We eagerly look forward to partnering with Chancellor-elect Gabel to take both leaps and incremental steps to advance strategic initiatives that benefit all of our dedicated staff members at Pitt. Staff Council will continue our long-standing collaborations with University leadership and anticipate specifically collaborating with Chancellor-elect Gabel to ensure staff voices are heard, to cultivate transparency, and to enhance the work-life experience for all staff.”
Jess Kamm Broomell, USW, which represents the Union of Pitt Faculty: “Our union looks forward to meeting with Chancellor-elect Gabel and to working with her as we strive to make Pitt the best institution it can be for our faculty, staff, students and community – now and well into the future.”
Susan Jones is editor of the University Times. Reach her at suejones@pitt.edu or 724-244-4042.
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