Joan T.A. Gabel will become the 19th chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh in July 2023. She currently serves as the president and chief executive of the University of Minnesota System and Twin Cities campus.
Under Gabel’s leadership, the University of Minnesota developed the University’s first comprehensive systemwide strategic plan that resulted in record-setting graduation rates and annual research expenditures, as well as unmatched start-ups, patents, and private giving, including the completion of a $4 billion capital campaign that exceeded its goal by 10%. Transformational partnerships, such as the NXT GEN MED program between the University, Mayo Clinic and Google, have led to reimagined research and student opportunities.
Prior to joining the University of Minnesota System, she served as executive vice president for academic affairs and provost at the University of South Carolina and as dean of the Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business at the University of Missouri. Gabel began her teaching career at Georgia State University, and then joined Florida State University where she was the DeSantis Professor of Legal Studies and Chair of the Department of Risk Management and Insurance, Real Estate and Legal Studies Director in International Relations.
Gabel is the recipient of numerous research, service and teaching awards, including as a Fulbright Scholar. She currently serves as Vice Chair for the Council on Competitiveness and on the boards of the American Council on Education, the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities, and Fulbright (CIES), among others. She holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Haverford College and a Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law.
Joan T.A. Gabel
“I am excited and filled with optimism when I think of leading this institution into its important next chapter — to taking leaps when needed, and incremental steps as necessary, to ensure that every step we take, however large or small, moves us forward. I am humbled to have the opportunity to lead this world-class community of learners, leaders, and discoverers from Pittsburgh and Bradford, to Greensburg, Johnstown, Titusville and beyond.”
Douglas Browning (A&S ’72)
“I believe Pitt stands on the threshold of even greater accomplishments and achievements in the future under her guidance. She clearly reflects the vision, drive, experience and understanding of the issues and complexities of leading a major research university.”
Eva Tansky Blum (A&S ’70, LAW ’73)
“We are so fortunate to have Joan T.A. Gabel as Pitt's 19th chancellor. She brings deep experience and demonstrated success in higher education to our university. I am confident that she will build on the remarkable trajectory that Chancellor Gallagher established.”