Chancellor Joan Gabel was elected as chair of the APLU Council of Presidents

University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Joan Gabel has been elected chair of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities' (APLU) Council of Presidents. 

“When it comes to increasing access and equity for students, meeting workforce needs and engaging in meaningful research and community engagement, there is no more important voice for our public research universities than the APLU,” said Gabel. “I am proud to support this work and our shared efforts to elevate advocacy for, and impact of, our public and land-grant universities.”

The Washington D.C.-based membership association works to advance the mission of more than 250 public research universities, land-grant institutions, state university systems and affiliated organizations spanning across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, six U.S. territories, Canada and Mexico. The Council of Presidents is composed of the chief executives of member colleges and universities and systems. Under the organization of the council, chief executive officers develop a working agenda and programs. Gabel’s election took place at the APLU Annual Meeting, held Nov. 12-14 in Seattle.

Gabel is recognized as a national leader on issues of public higher education and women’s leadership. She serves on multiple boards, including the Fulbright Scholar Advisory Board and as vice chair for the Council on Competitiveness.