Pitt has selected a candidate to fill outgoing Pitt–Greensburg President Sharon Smith’s position.

Robert Gregerson, dean at Florida Gulf Coast University of the College of Arts and Sciences and senior advisor to the provost, will step into his new role July 1, according to Pittwire. Smith has held the position since 2007 and originally announced her retirement in August 2018.

As dean, Gregerson pushed a successful advancement plan to create long-term changes to existing programs for faculty, staff and students, Pittwire said.

Gregerson has held other administrative positions during his three years at Florida Gulf Coast University, including acting provost and vice president for academic affairs and senior advisor to the provost.

Some of his notable achievements, according to Pittwire, include developing career and peer mentoring program for students studying humanities, enhancing online courses and hybrid courses at the school and more.

Chancellor Patrick Gallagher praised Gregerson’s past accomplishments and has high hopes for him.

“Bob’s dedication to collaboration, community and academic excellence is clear,” Gallagher said in a statement. “I am excited to welcome him to the University of Pittsburgh, and I cannot wait for him to turn his attention and talents toward supporting our Greensburg campus and its success.”

Gregerson studied at the University of Georgia, where he received a Ph.D. in molecular genetics. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Wabash College in Indiana.

His previous roles in academia include being a professor of biology and department head at Armstrong State University in Savannah before becoming dean of the College of Science and Technology. His first position in higher education was a research geneticist with the University of Minnesota/U.S. Department of Agriculture

Gregerson told Pitt Wire that Pitt–Greensburg is full of opportunities because of its unique roles in the Pitt community.

“The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg combines the power and stature of a major research university with the intimate learning environment and personal attention only possible at a small college,” Gregerson said. “This combination of attributes, along with the potential for further growth and distinction, makes the opportunity to be the next president of Pitt–Greensburg very exciting. I am honored to be selected for this role, and I very much look forward to working with the University community to lead the institution in its next phase of development.”

— Donovan Harrell