The provost’s office has announced the appointment of leaders for two key center’s at the University.

University Center for Social and Urban Research

After a national search, Shannon Wanless, who currently serves as executive director of the Office of Child Development in the School of Education, has been appointed director of the University Center for Social and Urban Research (UCSUR), effective July 1.

In this role, Wanless will report directly to Provost Joe McCarthy with a dotted line relationship with the inaugural vice chancellor for external relations, Lina Dostilio. Wanless will continue her appointment as a tenured associate professor in the School of Education.

Wanless joined the Pitt as a faculty member in 2011 and became leader of the Office of Child Development in 2018. Since then, she has secured more than $20 million in competitive grants and $4.5 million in contracts for the office.

Wanless was a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Virginia’s Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning and earned her PhD in human development and family sciences from Oregon State University, her master’s degree in early childhood education from the University of Michigan, and her bachelor’s degree in sociology/anthropology and psychology from Denison University in Ohio.

Pre-Health Resource Center

Mike Chirdon-Jones has been selected to lead the Pre-Health Resource Center, effective May 12.

Chirdon-Jones is returning to the University of Pittsburgh after serving in various roles at the Community College of Allegheny County, most recently as the senior director of academic advising.

The Pre-Health Resource Center focuses on providing support to all Pitt students who are interested in pursuing one of Pitt’s many health-related academic programs. Over the past few years, the the center has focused on graduate school preparation and experiential learning.

Chirdon-Jones holds an EdD in social and comparative analysis in education from Pitt, a master’s degree in education from James Madison University, and a bachelor’s degree in English from Juniata College.

Since Oct. 1, 2024, Paula Davis, retired associate vice chancellor for diversity, equity and inclusion for Pitt Health Sciences, has served as interim director of the center after Andrea Hergenroeder stepped down after three years in the role.