University Honors College names an interim dean

Joseph McCarthy, vice provost for undergraduate studies, has been named interim dean of the University Honors College (UHC).

McCarthy has worked with UHC in the past, collaborating with leadership to transition the college to the current membership model and launching the Honors Distinction, which allows the UHC to be accessible to all Pitt students. He now will partner with Assistant Dean David Hornyak to advance the college’s progress as the search continues for its next dean.

“I sincerely appreciate Joe’s willingness to take on this additional and pivotal role for the months ahead. He is an outstanding teacher, mentor, scientist and administrator, as well as my right hand for undergraduate academic affairs,” said Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Ann E. Cudd.

As vice provost, McCarthy leads Undergraduate Studies, which focuses on enhancing the academic experience of undergraduate students on all five campuses of the University. This includes developing and facilitating programs to improve student satisfaction and retention, student success, and the overall learning environment.

McCarthy has been a University faculty member since 1998 and is a William Kepler Whiteford Professor in the Swanson School’s Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering. In 2008, he received the Carnegie Science University Educator Award for developing and implementing the innovative Pillars curriculum, which reshaped undergraduate education in chemical engineering. In 2012, the Swanson School recognized his contributions with its Outstanding Educator Award, and in 2015, McCarthy received the Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award.