The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford named Scott Kane its next vice president and dean of student affairs. He will assume the role on July 30.

In this position, he will oversee career, counseling and health services; new student orientation; residence life and housing; student activities; community engagement and the Harriet B. Wick Chapel; and student conduct. He will also serve as a member of the president’s cabinet.

Kane comes to Pitt–Bradford from Rhode Island College in Providence, Rhode Island, where he recently served as dean of students and interim vice president for student affairs.

“I’m confident he will do an outstanding job for our campus,” said Livingston Alexander, president of Pitt–Bradford. “He has extensive experience in the field and is deeply committed to a campus culture of respect for the dignity of all human beings.”

Kane will replace K. James Evans, the current vice president and dean, who announced last August that he would retire this summer after 42 years of service to the University.

Kane has more than 25 years of experience in higher education, including as area coordinator at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, assistant director of student life at Loyola College of Maryland and director of residence life and then assistant dean of student affairs at Western Maryland College. In 2000, he became associate dean for student life at Rhode Island College before becoming dean of students. As dean, he oversaw judicial affairs, student activities, veterans’ affairs, health education and Greek life and served on multiple university committees.

Office of Human Resources Announces New Assistant Vice Chancellor

Derek Smith was recently named assistant vice chancellor of human resources.

In this role, Smith will lead compensation and data analytics. His efforts will focus on projects within the Office of Human Resources to support the University’s strategic plan, “The Plan for Pitt.”

Smith comes to Pitt from the University of Missouri, where he served as senior director. He also held roles in human resources at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, College of Southern Nevada and Kansas State University. Smith has experience leading several Lean Six Sigma projects, managing employee and labor relations and chairing human resources operations for human resources information systems and benefits departments, along with compensation.

Vice Chancellor for Human Resources Cheryl Johnson expressed her excitement for Smith’s arrival: “We are thrilled to have Derek join the Pitt family and join the OHR (Office of Human Resources) team as we are on the cusp of leading edge, customer-centric human resources solutions and services. With his experience in HR and higher education from the University of Missouri, I am confident that he will be a strong addition to the University and our team. I look forward to seeing and being a part of his success here at Pitt.”

Student Affairs Names Fisher Director of Marketing and Communications

Janine Fisher has been named director of marketing and communications for the Division of Student Affairs, effective May 14, after having served in an interim capacity since January 2018.

In this role, Fisher will lead a comprehensive, division-wide communications plan that will position the division to meet its strategic goals and continue to improve the student affairs brand.

“I am appreciative of Janine’s willingness to serve as interim director of marketing and communications, and I’m excited that she will continue in her role as director on a permanent basis,” said Kenyon Bonner, vice provost and dean of students. “Janine brings innovation, professionalism and a sense of care to everything she does. I look forward to the fresh perspective she will bring to our senior leadership team.”

Janine has worked in a variety of roles at the University since 2003, including editorial assistant at the University Center for International Studies; assistant director for public relations and new student programs in the Office of International Services; and communications specialist, communications manager and assistant director for marketing and communications in the Division of Student Affairs.