Welcome to the Office of Faculty Diversity and Development, a part of the Office of the Provost at the University of Pittsburgh!
The University of Pittsburgh is dedicated to recruiting, retaining, and developing an excellent and diverse faculty. Our success is dependent on identifying high-quality faculty from varied backgrounds and academic disciplines, with a broad range of perspectives and experiences, who will become part of the diverse, inclusive, and vibrant Pitt community.
Led by Vice Provost for Faculty Diversity and Development John Wallace, the Faculty Diversity and Development team is committed to furthering this goal by strengthening diversity recruitment and retention efforts, enhancing faculty experiences, supporting our faculty members in their professional growth and success, and recognizing faculty contributions.
Areas of focus include:
- Race &… Initiative: The Race and Social Determinants of Equity, Health and Well-being Cluster Hire and Retention Initiative works to engage more faculty in research, teaching and service designed to eliminate racial disparities and improve measures of well-being in Pittsburgh and beyond. Programming for faculty in these areas includes a monthly lecture series, an annual conference, an annual summer retreat, research Collaboratories, and an annual awards gala.
- Fostering Faculty Diversity: The Office of the Provost has led a number of faculty diversity recruitment and hiring efforts, such as the Faculty Diversity Recruitment Initiative and the Latinx Cluster Hire Initiative. Our office encourages and supports efforts to retain diverse faculty through specialized programming and networking opportunities, such as the Race &... Lecture Series and the Race@Work Summer Retreat.
- Professional Development: Our office provides several professional development opportunities to help faculty successfully navigate academic careers and excel in leadership. These programs include workshops, seminars, conferences, and mentoring initiatives. The team also works closely with the University Center for Teaching and Learning to offer programming designed to build faculty capacity to teach in a multicultural, diverse environment and to create inclusive learning environments. Our goal is to create an environment where all faculty can be successful.
- Awards & Recognition: We strive to elevate and celebrate the work of diverse faculty by highlighting accolades and achievements and formally recognizing accomplishments through awards such as the Provost’s Award for Diversity in the Curriculum and the Black Excellence in the Academy Awards.
Another part of the recipe for a successful Pitt experience is getting to know what the city has to offer. Pitt considers the city of Pittsburgh to be an extension of its campus, which enhances the opportunity for faculty members to find networking, partnership, volunteer, and other learning opportunities through local organizations. Our Area Resources and Engagement pages share more information about relevant associations, publications, and arts centers to outreach and engagement opportunities.
We hope you’ll take advantage of the programs and opportunities we have to offer. Explore the rest of this website to learn more, and feel free to reach out to us at facultydiversity@pitt.edu.