Professor

Joan T.A. Gabel

University of Pittsburgh
Area
Leadership, Policy, and Communications
Specialty
Educational and Academic Leadership
Elected
2024

Joan Gabel is the19th chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh, vice chair of the Council on Competitiveness, chair of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities Council of Presidents, and a board member of the American Council on Education and the Fulbright Council for International Exchange of Scholars.

As chancellor, she oversees a community of nearly 34,000 students and more than 15,000 faculty and staff members across five campuses. Under her leadership, Pitt is prioritizing its values and impact through the development of the University’s first metrics-driven strategic plan. To ensure a Pitt education remains accessible and affordable, Gabel launched the Pitt Finish Line Grant, which will provide just-in-time financial support for students nearing graduation. 

Gabel previously served as the president of the University of Minnesota (U of M) System and Twin Cities campus. Under her leadership, U of M developed its first comprehensive systemwide strategic plan, which resulted in record-setting graduation rates and annual research expenditures, as well as unmatched startups, patents and private giving, including the completion of a $4 billion capital campaign that exceeded its goal by 10%. 

Prior to joining U of M, 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, then joined Florida State University where she was the DeSantis Professor of Legal Studies; chair of the Department of Risk Management and Insurance, Real Estate and Legal Studies; and director of international relations within the College of Business. She holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Haverford College and a Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law.

Last Updated