The University of Pittsburgh has a new hand at the wheel. Joan T.A. Gabel took office as the University’s 19th chancellor in July, following four years as president and chief executive of the University of Minnesota System and Twin Cities campus.

“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,” Gabel said in a statement.

She will be the first woman to lead the University since its founding in 1787. Gabel succeeds Patrick Gallagher, who held the chancellor position for nine years.

At the University of Minnesota, Gabel led the development of the system’s first comprehensive strategic plan, leading to record-setting graduation rates and annual research expenditures, as well as record numbers of startups and patents. During her tenure, the university completed a 10-year, $4 billion capital campaign that exceeded its goal by 10%.

Anantha Shekhar, senior vice chancellor for the health sciences and John and Gertrude Petersen Dean of the School of Medicine, said he looks forward to collaborating with Gabel in pursuit of new successes for the Pitt community.

“Joan T.A. Gabel is a natural leader,” Shekhar said in a statement. “It was clear to me that she is forward-thinking, innovative and driven—the right leader for our University at this time and place.”

Gabel holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Haverford College and a juris doctor from the University of Georgia. She’s no stranger to Pitt, though—one of her three children is currently enrolled here.

Read more from the Summer 2023 issue.