Leadership changes announced for Pitt–Bradford

David Fitz, who has served several years as campus dean at Pitt–Titusville and who has been leading the Student Affairs Office at Pitt–Bradford since Scott Kane resigned in January, has been named vice president of institutional integration and community engagement at Pitt-Bradford.

David FitzFitz was to have started his new position at Pitt-Bradford in January. However, when Scott Kane resigned as vice president and dean of student affairs that month, Catherine Koverola, Pitt–Bradford’s president, asked Fitz to serve as interim until a permanent replacement was found. Earlier this month, Michele Cruse was hired as vice president and dean of student affairs.   

“I have been very impressed with David and the strong and sound leadership he has provided to the Titusville campus for several years,” said Koverola, who is also president of Pitt–Titusville.

Part of Fitz’s new responsibilities will include increasing engagement between the Bradford community and the University. Fitz also will work closely with his colleagues to develop a new strategic plan and provide oversight in the implementation of the plan.

He will continue to have a presence on the Titusville campus as the interim executive director of the campus’s new Education and Training Hub, which launches in August. He will remain in that role until a permanent replacement can be hired.

Michele CruseCruse has been associate dean of student affairs and experiential education since November, and has been an integral part of the team planning for students to return to campus in the fall.

In her new position, Cruse will oversee career, counseling and health services; new student orientation and first-year experience; residence life and housing; student engagement, leadership development and community engagement; and student care and conduct.

“Since she joined us last fall, Michele has proven to be a strong, compassionate and transformative leader, whose priority is the students,” Koverola said. “During the spring semester, when we all left campus to work remotely, she worked tirelessly with others in Student Affairs to help our students with the transition and keep them engaged.” 

Cruse, a native Pittsburgher, came to Pitt–Bradford from Portland (Ore.) Community College, where she served as the dean of student development.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in public administration at Pitt, a master’s degree at Portland State University and a doctorate in education at Oregon State University.