By SHANNON O. WELLS

In her extensive academic and administrative career, Chancellor Joan Gabel, who came to Pitt in 2023 after serving as the University of Minnesota’s president since 2019, has engaged with shared governance structures at various institutions as a faculty member, senator and chancellor.

She said she’s come to see the concept — based on policy-building and amending discussion among faculty, staff, students and administrators — as “part of the magic of excellence in higher education” that helps “create the conditions in which people and ideas can thrive.”

Gabel took time out from preparing for the 2026-27 academic year to address questions from the University Times about the current state of shared governance at Pitt and higher education in general.

University Times: What is your general experience and background with shared governance during your career in higher education?

Chancellor Joan Gabel: I have experienced shared governance from many perspectives over the course of my career, including as a faculty member, a senator and now as chancellor …

It helps create the conditions … in which a university can become more than the collection of its individual strengths.

Pitt is fortunate to have an especially active shared governance system. Senators here are engaged in the work early and meaningfully, and that makes our decisions and our institution stronger.

I have been grateful for the partnership of Senate leadership, members and staff since arriving at Pitt and for the candor, expertise and commitment they bring to our work together.

UTimes: What do you see as the primary role/function of shared governance and the University Senate in establishing/examining Pitt policy and academic integrity?

Gabel: At its best, shared governance creates something greater than the sum of its parts. Faculty, staff, students and administrators each experience the University differently and bring knowledge and perspectives that the others cannot fully replicate. Shared governance gives us a way to bring those perspectives together around our common interest in making Pitt better.

The University Senate is an important place where ideas and policies can be considered, debated, tested and improved. That process does more than build support for decisions. It makes the decisions themselves better.

UTimes: Are you confident that shared governance will remain a strong pillar of Pitt policymaking and culture going forward? Do you have concerns about its influence and role in the larger picture of higher education?

Gabel: Absolutely. Shared governance is part of who we are, and it is one of the reasons Pitt is as good as it is. Our decisions are stronger when they draw on the knowledge, experience and perspectives of the people who make this University what it is.

The pressures facing higher education make that more important, not less. We will need to make difficult decisions, adapt more quickly in some areas and continue to evolve. Shared governance gives us a way to do that together while remaining grounded in our mission and in our shared commitment to Pitt.

Shannon O. Wells is a writer for the University Times. Reach him at shannonw@pitt.edu.

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