University Times

Pitt leaders lauded the contributions of Livingston Alexander, whose leadership over the last 14 years heightened academic excellence, strengthened student retention and improved graduation rates at the University of Pittsburgh’s campuses in Bradford and Titusville.

Alexander has announced he will be leaving his posts effective June 30, 2018, and will be assisting with the transition to new leadership over the course of the year.

“Livingston is a rare find — a leader who is both fiercely committed to the academic success of all Pitt students and passionate about building strong, authentic connections with the community,” said Chancellor Patrick Gallagher. “I am honored to call him my colleague and grateful that his final victory lap will extend for another academic year at Pitt.”

Under Alexander’s guidance, the Pitt–Bradford developed 16 academic majors, completed capital campaigns totaling $33 million and increased its endowment and foundation assets by more than 250 percent. He oversaw increases in enrollment and retention, alongside construction of five residence halls and a nondenominational chapel, acquisition of a major facility in downtown Bradford, significant renovations of two academic buildings, upgrades in athletic facilities and the dedication and opening of the Marilyn Horne Museum and Exhibit Center.

“It has been my honor to work with Dr. Alexander, and I deeply appreciate his stewardship over Pitt–Bradford and Pitt–Titusville campuses,” said Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Patricia E. Beeson. “His impact on students, faculty and the broader community will be felt for many years to come.”

Under his leadership, Pitt–Bradford rose in national visibility and netted a host of favorable rankings and recognitions by national publications, including its placement among the best 10 regional campuses in the United States by college research website TheBestColleges, being named by The Princeton Review among the best colleges in the Northeast 14 consecutive times and recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best regional colleges in the North.

“When I assumed the presidency at Pitt–Bradford 14 years ago, I regarded the appointment as the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Alexander. “As I reflect on my service at Pitt–Bradford and Pitt–Titusville, my prevailing sentiment is that it’s been a sheer honor and privilege to serve the University. I cherish the collegial and collaborative manner in which I’ve been able to work with accomplished personnel at Bradford and Titusville to advance our two institutions. A consequence of that teamwork is that Pitt–Bradford has taken giant leaps forward in quality and national visibility. Our collaboration at Pitt–Titusville has been shorter — just the last five years — but in that time the campus has made important gains in critical student measures such as retention and graduation rates.”

In May 2012, Alexander assumed the presidency of the Pitt–Titusville in an administrative realignment under which he serves both institutions. With his leadership, the Titusville campus student enrollment stabilized, and student retention and graduation rates increased.

Alexander began his career in higher education in 1977 as an assistant professor of psychology at Western Kentucky University, where he rose through the ranks to professor. Before becoming Pitt–Bradford’s president, Alexander was the provost and vice president for academic affairs and professor of psychology at Kean University in New Jersey.

In addition to his academic leadership, Alexander has written numerous articles and book chapters in the areas of cognition, learning and instruction, and leadership. He has also led seminars on the personal and interpersonal dimensions of leadership and diversity for the American Council on Education’s fellowship program and a variety of other organizations around the country.

Pitt–Bradford and Pitt–Titusville President Livingston Alexander visits with students at the Bradford campus.

Contact:
Joe Miksch, jmiksch@pitt.edu, 412-624-4356