Connelly Named Associate Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Pittsburgh has appointed Pamela W. Connelly as associate vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion. She will have University-wide responsibility for coordinating and expanding Pitt’s commitment to and emphasis on diversity. Her appointment is effective immediately.

The Offices of Affirmative Action and Title IX Compliance will report to Connelly. She will manage regulatory requirements in those areas and will work with senior leadership to develop and implement programs that will expand awareness and sensitivity so as to create a stronger culture of diversity. 

Commenting on Connelly’s appointment, Pitt Chancellor Patrick Gallagher said: “A big part of diversity for me is fostering a culture of inclusiveness at the University, making Pitt a place that’s attractive to be, where you encounter a mix of new ideas, outlooks, and people that reflects the global reality. In her new role, Pam will help us become more inclusive, as we live out our core value of the importance of diversity. ”

In making the appointment, Senior Vice Chancellor for Engagement and Chief of Staff Kathy Humphrey noted that while diversity has always been an important value at Pitt, Connelly will build on that commitment. “Diversity and inclusion have always been central to our mission,” Humphrey said. “I am confident that Pam has the expertise and dedication that will enable her to help us fulfill our mission by creating a culture that not only welcomes, but celebrates, diversity.”

Connelly—who previously was serving as an associate general counsel with Pitt—said she looks forward to serving Pitt in this new capacity. “This is an important aspect of a university in today’s world. The leadership here at Pitt has recognized the impact that the University can have in this regard, and I look forward to being a part of the team that helps fulfill this commitment,” she said.

Connelly joined Pitt in 2002. As an associate general counsel, she has provided legal counsel for a variety of units and areas across the University, including EEOC, civil rights, ADA, Title IX, the Office of Human Resources, and the Provost’s office. Prior to joining Pitt, she was an associate with LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, LLP, and Babst, Calland, Clements & Zomnir, P.C.

She is a cum laude graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and is admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and State of West Virginia; United States Courts of Appeals for the Third, Fourth, and Ninth Circuits; and numerous United States District Courts.