Jay Darr, the inaugural associate dean of student wellness, is moving to the the Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion starting Jan. 21, as the senior strategic advisor to Clyde Pickett, vice chancellor for equity, diversity, and inclusion, according to an announcement Jan. 6 by Carla Panzella, vice provost for student affairs.

Darr came to Pitt in 2019 as director of the University Counseling Center, and was promoted to his current position in 2022.  

Under his leadership, the University Counseling Center expanded its services to support students more broadly, including beginning the Higher Education Assessment and Response Team (HEART), introducing embedded clinicians in residence halls and two schools, eliminating the counseling center wait and expanding clinical services.

Additionally, Darr led the diversification of the clinical staff and implemented the post-master licensure track program. As associate dean, he oversaw the reimagining of the Concern, Assessment, Response, and Education (CARE) Team, expanded Student Health Services, advanced the partnership with Financial Aid to include the Center for Financial Wellness, and supported Campus Recreation during construction of the new Recreation and Wellness Center. 

In his new role, Darr will serve as a key strategic partner and high-level liaison, representing Vice Chancellor Pickett on critical University-wide initiatives aimed at advancing equity, diversity and inclusion. This senior role supports the implementation of the Plan for Pitt and OEDI’s strategic plan by fostering collaboration, advising on policy and programmatic initiatives, and coordinating with University leaders to promote an inclusive and equitable campus culture. 

Marlin Nabors, who started as the new dean of students on Jan. 2, will be meeting with the leaders of the Wellness Team to assess immediate needs and to offer necessary support. Following these discussions, he will outline plans for ongoing supervision and additional resources while a national search is conducted for a new leader for the Wellness Team.