Pittsburgh native and nationally recognized epidemiologist outlines vision as University
approaches 150th anniversary.
With record interest from prospective students, expanding academic programs and its
150th anniversary on the horizon, Duquesne University entered a new era today as Dr. David J. Dausey was officially inaugurated as its 14th president.
Nearly 1,000 students, faculty, staff, alumni and guests gathered at UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse
for the ceremony, guided by the theme Enduring Mission. Emerging Pathways.
The ceremony began outside on campus with a nearly 300-person academic procession to UPMC Cooper
Fieldhouse, as Duquesne students and staff lined the route to cheer and celebrate.
Led by Provost Dr. Sarah Ewing with bagpipers in tow, the procession included more
than 30 delegates from other colleges and universities, along with Duquesne faculty,
leaders, board members and Dausey.
14th President Dr. David J. Dausey waves to students on Inauguration Day.
Greetings during the ceremony came from representatives of Duquesne’s students, faculty
and Spiritan community, along with Pittsburgh-area civic and community leaders, including
Pittsburgh Bishop Mark A. Eckman, D.D., and Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor.
Duquesne Board of Directors Chair Diane Hupp formally invested Dausey with presidential
authority, presenting him with the University’s historic presidential medallion that
was first commissioned for Duquesne’s first full-scale presidential inauguration in
1931.
“About ten months ago, I had the privilege of announcing the Board had chosen Dr.
David J. Dausey as the 14th president of Duquesne University. In the months since,
I and other board members, leaders, faculty and students have worked with President
Dausey on a presidential transition built on listening, collaboration and imagining—to
keep moving Duquesne forward,” said Hupp. “Today’s speakers have shared a picture
of a leader we can admire collectively, yes, but also one who will work alongside
us, develop relationships that serve our students and our region, and who will lead—always—with
the understanding that our enduring mission enables us to navigate paths ahead.”
Dausey is the first Duquesne president to wear the medallion on a new chain of office
designed to carry the names of future presidents while preserving the historic medallion
passed down through generations of University leadership.
During his inaugural address, Dausey reflected on the mission that has guided Duquesne
throughout its history and outlined his vision for expanding opportunities for students
and increasing the University’s impact in Pittsburgh and beyond.
“I believe one of my most important jobs as president is to make sure that everyone
at Duquesne feels like they have their own seat of honor. That every faculty member
knows that their scholarship and teaching are the most consequential things we do,”
he explained. “That every staff member knows that their contributions are critical
to our success and deeply valued. That every student knows that their presence here
is not accidental. That they belong.”
A Pittsburgh native who grew up in Jefferson Hills and a first-generation college
student, Dausey began his higher education journey at the Community College of Allegheny
County before continuing his studies at Mercyhurst University and Yale University.
That experience has helped shape his commitment to expanding educational opportunity
and preparing students to make a meaningful impact in their professions and communities.
After being named president in November 2025, Dausey launched a University-wide Listening
Tour that drew strong participation from students, faculty and staff and helped inform
his priorities for Duquesne’s future.
“One of the things I heard most often during my listening tour was that Duquesne is
at its best when every person on this campus feels genuinely heard, seen and valued,”
he said in his remarks. “That is the culture I want to build here.
“Together, we will not simply sustain our beloved Duquesne,” Dausey added. “We will
propel it into the future with such speed, such purpose and such agility that people
will wonder how we did it. But we will know. We did it together.”
The Inauguration Ceremony culminated a series of inaugural events highlighting scholarship,
service, the arts and Duquesne University’s Spiritan heritage. Student musicians from
the Mary Pappert School of Music, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this
year, were featured throughout the ceremony.
The celebration concluded with an all-campus reception on Academic Walk. The inauguration
marks a new chapter for Duquesne as the University looks toward its 150th anniversary
in 2028 and the opportunities ahead.
Dausey became Duquesne’s president July 1 after serving eight years as executive vice
president and provost. During his tenure as provost, he helped lead a period of significant
academic growth, including the creation of the Nasuti College of Osteopathic Medicine,
one of the most significant academic initiatives in Duquesne’s history, the launch
of Duquesne’s first engineering programs and other innovative initiatives across the
University.
An internationally recognized epidemiologist, Dausey earned master’s and doctoral
degrees in epidemiology from Yale University and a second doctoral degree in higher
education management from the University of Pennsylvania. His global health work has
spanned more than 20 countries and included collaboration with senior health officials
and experts from the World Health Organization and United Nations.
Duquesne University is grateful to premier sponsor PNC Bank, whose financial support
helped make the inaugural events possible. PNC joined more than 25 additional organizations
that provided support for the events and festivities.
Duquesne University
Founded in 1878, Duquesne is consistently ranked among the nation’s top Catholic universities
for its award-winning faculty and horizon-expanding education. A campus of more than
8,200 graduate and undergraduate students, Duquesne prepares students by having them
work alongside faculty to discover and reach their goals. The University’s academic
programs, community service and commitment to equity and opportunity in the Pittsburgh
region have earned national acclaim.
It’s time for bigger goals. Follow Duquesne University on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and LinkedIn.
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