Welcome
Thank you for visiting the web page for the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS) Dean search committee at the University of Pittsburgh.
The committee is an advisory body elected and assembled to review and interview dean applicants. We will present a slate of semi-finalist candidates to be evaluated by Senior Vice Chancellor for the Health Sciences Dr. Anantha Shekhar so that he may identify the individual who is best positioned to serve as SHRS’s next dean. The committee aims to proceed as transparently as possible throughout the search, though the need for confidentiality will preclude us from sharing certain information. I am honored to serve as search chair and look forward to collaborating with all committee members and stakeholders. The search firm Russell Reynolds Associates (RRA) has been retained to support the search for SHRS’s new Dean. Per the charge from Dr. Shekhar, the committee is searching for an outstanding servant leader who will support all faculty, staff, and students with a vision for the future of health and rehabilitation science; experience in tailoring investments and resources to advance SHRS; and a demonstrable commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek a nationally recognized rehabilitation science expert who is a skilled researcher, proven educator, and active contributor to the academic community. Following applicant CV and cover letter review, the committee will identify candidates to virtually interview as a group, asking standardized questions and evaluating with a rubric. At the conclusion of interviews, the committee will convene to discuss candidate scores and identify a slate of qualified individuals who could successfully serve as dean to present to Dr. Shekhar for invites to visit campus. Once Dr. Shekhar receives the unranked list of qualified individuals, the committee’s search contributions are complete.
The committee encourages you to regularly visit this page, where we will post announcements and feature search events, including open forum search committee meetings. We also encourage SHRS stakeholders to utilize the comment/question form below; you may remain anonymous, with all submissions received by the committee’s staff support. The committee welcomes and appreciates your feedback, and we will keep you apprised of search developments as the process unfolds.
Sincerely, Amy L. Seybert, PharmD
Dean and Dr. Gordon J Vanscoy Chair, School of Pharmacy
Chair, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Dean Search Committee
Position Profile
Pitt seeks an innovative, visionary and collaborative leader to serve as the next Dean of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (SHRS). Reporting to the Senior Vice Chancellor for the Health Sciences, Dr. Anantha Shekhar, the Dean will shape the strategic, academic and operational priorities for SHRS. The Dean is responsible for academic leadership, financial stewardship, organizational effectiveness, faculty and staff recruitment and retention, development and alumni engagement and student success.
Annoucements
Search Status as of October 2025
Dear Colleagues:
Thank you for your engagement and interest in the search for the next Dean of SHRS. We are grateful to everyone who participated in the town hall listening sessions earlier this fall and to those who submitted recommendations and nominations of prospective candidates. I’m writing to share an update on the progress of the search.
Earlier in October, following extensive research and outreach by the search firm and committee, the SHRS Dean Search Committee convened and reviewed applicant CVs and letters of interest. We are very impressed by the distinguished qualifications of applicants. Following the Search Committee’s discussion, members identified a slate of initial candidates to invite for virtual interviews by the Committee as a group.
The Committee standardized a set of questions to ask of all interviewed candidates, and panel-style virtual interviews with the Committee are ongoing. After the final candidate interview, the Committee will reconvene to discuss candidates, with an aim of recommending a smaller cohort of candidates to be invited for onsite visits. Once those candidates are identified, the Committee will meet again with Senior Vice Chancellor for the Health Sciences (SVC), Dr. Anantha Shekhar, to present and discuss those whom they are recommending be invited for an onsite visit.
At that time, the Search Committee’s formal work is complete, and SVC Dr. Shekhar will oversee campus visits and offer negotiations with the incoming dean. We anticipate that Dr. Shekhar will issue invitations for an initial onsite visit to the candidates who are recommended by the Search Committee. Once those visits are complete, a smaller number of finalists will be invited for a second visit. After the offer is finalized, the Committee will be alerted immediately before the public announcement.
I also want to inform you that talks will be scheduled to be delivered by finalists during the second onsite visit that will be open to all SHRS affiliates. Survey links will be distributed so that you can provide your feedback to SVC Dr. Shekhar.
We appreciate your ongoing understanding regarding confidentiality restrictions. The search is on schedule, and the committee is deeply invested in identifying the best possible candidates to proceed to the finalist round. Thanks for your patience, and I’ll be in touch again soon.
Sincerely,
Amy L. Seybert, PharmD
Dean and Dr. Gordon J. Vanscoy Endowed Chair of Pharmacy
Chair, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Dean Search Committee
Contact the Committee
Please direct any and all communication to Committee Support:
Joanna Spontak
Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor for the Health Sciences and Petersen Dean, School of Medicine
- Office: 401 Alan Magee Scaife Hall
- j.spontak@pitt.edu
- Direct office phone number: (412) 648-2088
Submit feedback with the form below for an anonymous option.
Share your thoughts!
Events
Riverside Classroom (Room 357)
100 Technology Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Committee Roster
*Indicates election by peers.
Dean and Dr. Gordon J. Vanscoy Endowed Chair of Pharmacy
PhD Student in Rehabilitation Science, anticipated 2027
Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Therapy
Accelerated Master’s Student in Athletic Training Program
BS in Rehabilitation Science, anticipated 2026; Master’s in Athletic Training, anticipated 2027
Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy
Vice Chancellor for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, University of Pittsburgh
Associate Dean for Commercial Translation, School of Medicine
Director of Research Administration, SHRS
Associate Dean of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement, SHRS Assistant
Professor, Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
President, UPMC Rehabilitation Institute
President, UPMC Sports Medicine Services
Associate Dean of Business and Finance, SHRS
Associate Professor, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition
Director, MS in Sports Medicine Program
Chief Advanced Practice Officer, UPMC
Director, UPMC Office of Advanced Practice Providers
Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine
Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Occupational Therapy
Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy
Associate Dean for Research, SHRS
Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences Education
Executive Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, School of Medicine
Professor, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine
Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, University of Pittsburgh
Professor, School of Law