\n\tCarissa Slotterback, dean of the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) since 2020, is stepping down from her role at Pitt for a position as dean of Arizona State University\u2019s Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.<\/p>\n
\n\tA statement from SPIA says Slotterback led the school \u201cthrough a period of growth and transformation,\u201d including the launch of SPIA\u2019s undergraduate program in public policy and the school’s evolution from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) to the School of Public and International Affairs.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe school\u2019s new identity is credited with creating new opportunities for students and helping to position the school\u2019s programs for future success.<\/p>\n
\n\t“It will be so bittersweet to leave the wonderful University of Pittsburgh School of Public and International Affairs after nearly six years,\u201d she said in the announcement from SPIA. \u201cI have so valued my collaborations with SPIA staff and faculty, the opportunity to support our amazing students, and my connections with alumni who are doing incredibly impactful work nearby and around the world.”\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\tSlotterback\u2019s leadership has been defined by a commitment to public service, interdisciplinary collaboration and student success, Pittwire reported<\/a>. That includes fostering a \u201cculture of innovation and engagement across SPIA\u201d while strengthening partnerships throughout the University.<\/p>\n \n\tHer impact on the Pitt community will be felt for years to come, Provost Joe McCarthy said in a June 4 announcement.<\/p>\n \n\t\u201cPlease join me in thanking Carissa for her outstanding leadership and many contributions to Pitt and in congratulating her on this new opportunity,\u201d he said in a statement. \u201cI am deeply grateful for her service to the University of Pittsburgh and wish her every success in her next chapter.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tSlotterback is credited with taking a leading role in creating the University\u2019s Year of Discourse and Dialogue initiative<\/a>, and Pitt\u2019s partnership with the Institute for Citizens and Scholars.<\/p>\n \n\tShe also has been lauded for her contributions to the general education update<\/a>, enhancing faculty development through the Center for Teaching and Learning, strengthening co-curricular programs such as Welcome Week along with connections among Pitt colleagues related to civic discourse and dialogue.<\/p>\n \n\tA comment from SPIA leadership said they are \u201cgrateful for her commitment to public service education,\u201d and wish her \u201call the best in what comes next.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tSlotterback\u2019s last day at Pitt will be Aug. 3. Information regarding an interim plan for SPIA\u2019s leadership is forthcoming.<\/p>\n \n\t\u2014 Shannon O. Wells<\/p>\n \n\t\u00a0<\/p>\n \n\tHave a story idea or news to share? Share<\/a> it with the University Times.<\/p>\n