Executives Named to Lead Business, Communications, And Student Affairs

The University of Pittsburgh has appointed three senior administration officials to positions that oversee Pitt business and operations, communications, and student life.

The appointees and effective dates of their hiring are: Gregory Scott, senior vice chancellor for business and operations, effective April 1; Susan Rogers, vice chancellor for communications, March 31; and Kenyon Bonner, vice provost and dean of students, March 1. Biographical backgrounds follow.

Gregory Scott, Senior Vice Chancellor for Business and Operations

Scott is a former assistant vice president for finance and business at The Pennsylvania State University.

Pitt Chancellor Patrick Gallagher said Scott will provide oversight, direction, and leadership to the University’s administrative functions, with responsibility for managing the affairs of Pitt’s human resources, facilities management, public safety, and auxiliary services departments.

Scott joined Penn State in 2001 as the manager of construction services in the Office of Physical Plant. In 2005, he became director of commonwealth services in the same office. In that role, he oversaw asset management, capital planning, master planning, and project management for Penn State’s 20 campuses, The Dickinson School of Law, the Hershey Medical Center, and the Energy Efficient Buildings Hub at The Navy Yard in Philadelphia.

He is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having begun his career there in 1991 as an officer in the Civil Engineering Corps and serving as assistant resident officer in charge of construction in Twentynine Palms, Calif., and as assistant public works officer in Indian Head, Md. He began his academic career in 1997 when he joined Rutgers University as director of project management.

Scott received a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Penn State, a Master of Business Administration degree from National University, and attended the Penn State Executive Management Program. 

Susan Rogers, Vice Chancellor for Communications

Susan Rogers is vice president for university advancement at The University of Texas at Dallas. When she joins Pitt at the end of this month, she will provide guidance and expertise in communications and marketing to the chancellor and University’s senior leadership as well as reorganize and lead the communications staff. 

Rogers joined UT Dallas in October 2006 as vice president for communications, where she created the university’s Office of Communications. In February 2015, UT Dallas appointed her vice president for university advancement, and she led the reorganization of two university divisions. She created partnerships among the offices of marketing, communications, development, periodicals, web services, alumni relations, corporate and foundation relations, donor stewardship, and events management.

Rogers came to UT Dallas from the University of Arkansas, where she served as associate vice chancellor for university relations in the Office of Advancement. Prior to that, she served as director of marketing and communications in the Office of Development at Stanford University and as associate vice president for marketing and communications at the University of North Texas.

In addition, Rogers has been a consultant to nonprofits including the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, the Central Park Conservancy, Long Island University, Lynchburg College, DePauw University, and the University of Delaware. She has extensive experience as a writer, reporter, and editor at media outlets, including The Dallas Morning News, The Miami Herald, the Chicago Sun-Times, the Associated Press, and D Magazine. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from The University of Texas at Austin and was selected to participate in the yearlong Governor’s Executive Development Program at The University of Texas at Austin’s LBJ School of Public Affairs.

Pitt’s current Vice Chancellor for Communications, Kenneth P. Service, who stepped in to guide the Office of University Communications during the transition to Chancellor Gallagher’s administration, previously announced his retirement, slated for summer 2016.

“Ken’s professional expertise enabled the University to maintain key communications—both across the institution and in the broader community. His talents have helped to advance the University’s mission. He will be an invaluable resource for Susan as she begins to get to know Pitt,” said Kathy Humphrey, senior vice chancellor for engagement and chief of staff.

Kenyon Bonner, Vice Provost and Dean of Students

Bonner has served as interim vice provost and dean of students since January 2015 and has played an important role in the Division of Student Affairs’ success during that time. Under his leadership, Student Affairs has continued to build programs to enhance the student experience, strengthen services, and create an environment in which all Pitt students can reach their potential. 

Bonner joined the University in 2004 as the assistant director of residence life and has assumed additional responsibilities over the years. Prior to his interim appointment, he served as Pitt’s associate dean of students for seven years, director of student life for 11 years, and director of the RISE Mentoring Program. Before his arrival at Pitt, Bonner served in multiple roles within the Department of Residence Services at Kent State University, where he completed his master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology and philosophy at Washington & Jefferson College.

His many roles at the University have included serving as the liaison to the Board of Trustees Student Affairs Committee; member of the Council of Deans, the University Senate Council, and the Undergraduate Education Task Force; and co-chair of the Enrollment Management Committee. Over the years, Bonner has received honors and awards such as Who’s Who in Black Pittsburgh Honoree in 2015, the Chancellor’s Award for Staff Excellence in Service to the University of Pittsburgh in 2013, and the New Pittsburgh Courier Fab 40 Under 40 in 2010.