Pitt's dean of education to become president at Charlotte HBCU

The University of Pittsburgh will be searching for a successor to School of Education Dean Valerie Kinloch, who is leaving to become the president of Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, N.C.

She will assume the role of president of the historically Black college on Aug. 1

Kinloch has been dean since July 2017, arriving from Ohio State University’s College of Education and Human Ecology. She was a professor and associate dean on that campus.

At Pitt, she supervises 300 full- and part-time faculty and staff and about 1,000 students.

“It’s a dream come true to be invited to lead one of the finest historically Black colleges and universities in America – and at the same time come home,” Kinloch said in a statement.

Kinloch graduated from Johnson C. Smith, a 156-year-old institution with 1,100 students. She is a member of its board of trustees.

“My years at JCSU were some of the best of my life. This university set me on course to grow beyond anything I could imagine, so it is incredibly gratifying to return and give back to the institution that helped make me who I am,” Kinloch said.

Pitt spokesman Jared Stonesifer did not have specifics about a likely search committee to find a successor.

Officials plan in the coming weeks to identify an interim dean, said Pitt Provost Ann Cudd, who also is leaving this summer for the presidency of Portland State University.

“Valerie’s deep passion for education, learning, equity and engagement has made a deep impact on the School of Education and the University as a whole,” Cudd said.

Kinloch’s departure is the latest in a flurry of transitions in Pitt deanships. Chancellor Patrick Gallahger is stepping down next month, meaning his successor, Joan Gabel, is expected to select the next education dean based on the search process.