Joan Gabel installed as Pitt’s 19th chancellor

The University of Pittsburgh installed its 19th chancellor, Joan Gabel, Friday afternoon at Carnegie Music Hall during Faculty Honors Convocation, an annual event recognizing faculty members’ honors and achievements. Pitt’s trustees unanimously elected Gabel on April 3, 2023, and she officially stepped into the role on July 17.

“We are at a moment in history when visionary ideas and strong leadership are essential to the future of institutions like ours. Joan Gabel provides both,” said Pitt Board of Trustees Chair Lou Cestello. “Moreover, as the first woman ever selected to lead this 237-year-old institution we hold so dear, she embodies the transformational change that the world needs now.”

Gabel’s installation address focused on themes of Pitt’s 237-year legacy, defined by key moments of resilience, achievements and distinctions; the University’s new strategic plan and the values it’s rooted in; a strong sense of optimism and momentum for Pitt’s future; and a commitment to preserving the light of learning for future generations.

“We want to accelerate our momentum by leaning into our distinct strengths and taking the right chances and investing in people and ideas and initiatives that only we can accomplish. The kinds of things that are only possible at Pitt. Things we must name and acknowledge to push ourselves to continue our momentum toward even higher levels of excellence,” said Gabel. Watch the full address.

She noted that it was an honor for her installation to be combined with Faculty Honors Convocation, a signature annual event recognizing Pitt’s world-class faculty.

“I am so honored to join our faculty who are being recognized today, and we’re all in for a treat as we will soon hear about what our faculty have accomplished and the inspiration and impact of their work, what they do with our students, what they do for their peers, what they do in support and in partnership with our staff,” said Gabel.

[View the full list of faculty members honored at the 2024 Faculty Honors Convocation.]

In opening remarks, Board of Trustees Chair-elect John Verbanac noted that the University has a long tradition of holding inauguration or installation ceremonies for its leaders. The ceremony has evolved over time, from the University’s first inauguration in 1822 and installation of Robert Bruce, through this year’s ceremony, which adhered to the latest tradition of installation at an honors convocation, which began with Chancellor Mark Nordenberg in 1997 and was followed by Chancellor Patrick Gallagher in 2015.