Pitt Names New Dean to Lead GSPIA

Carissa Schively Slotterback, associate dean of the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota, has been named dean of the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA). She will begin her deanship on Oct. 1 and join the faculty as a full professor.

At the University of Minnesota, Slotterback led academic programs and curricula, faculty mentoring, and promotion and research advancement; additionally, she set strategy for and supervised staff teams in academic programs, advising and retention, academic and information technology, and career and professional development. Slotterback also led a school-wide curriculum review, created a new student services leadership team, supported the development of an equity and inclusion plan, and collaborated to advance interdisciplinary initiatives.

“Carissa is an urban planning scholar, a leading authority on authentic engagement and a fierce advocate for students, faculty and communities,” said Pitt Chancellor Patrick Gallagher. “I am excited to welcome her to the University of Pittsburgh and look forward to seeing where she takes GSPIA next.” 

“Carissa’s exceptional depth and breadth of higher education experience uniquely positions her to lead GSPIA forward,” said Pitt Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Ann E. Cudd. “Her strong strategic leadership and deep dedication to serving and advocating for students, faculty and the broader community make her a truly wonderful fit for our University and for GSPIA. Her collaborative style and energy, combined with her outstanding academic experience and focus on interdisciplinarity, community engagement, and diversity and inclusion, will contribute greatly to our forward progress.”

Slotterback’s widely published scholarship focuses on environmental and land-use planning and policy, public engagement and sustainability.

During her 16-year career at the University of Minnesota, Slotterback also served as director of research engagement in the Office of the Vice President for Research. In that role, she developed and implemented strategic initiatives to advance interdisciplinary and engaged research, as well as initiated and directed the university’s Resilient Communities Project to support faculty and student engagement on community sustainability projects.

Slotterback earned her PhD in urban and regional planning from Florida State University, a master’s degree in city and regional planning from Clemson University and a bachelor’s degree from Winona State University.

She will succeed John Keeler, who announced his intention to return to faculty last year after serving as dean since 2007.