A Message
from the Dean

It has been a busy and exciting time since returning home to Pittsburgh this past August to serve as the Henry E. Haller Jr. Dean of Pitt Business. I have already had the pleasure of meeting many of you and look forward to connecting with more members of our extended community — alumni, parents, recruiters, supporters, and friends of Pitt Business — in the coming months. 

It has been inspiring to learn about the rich history of Pitt Business, the exceptional accomplishments of its alumni, and the remarkable momentum established under the leadership of Dean Arjang Assad. This edition of the magazine celebrates our community’s achievements during Dean Assad’s tenure of the past seven years and the strong foundation that has been laid for continued growth in quality, impact, and reputation. 

You will read about innovations in our existing programs and the launch of bold new ones. We recognize outstanding faculty achievements, say thanks for decades of service, and welcome new members to the Pitt Business family. We also highlight the successes of our students and alumni — from NFL quarterback and community advocate Kenny Pickett (BSBA ’20) to the 25 “Gifts of Impact” donors as part of the College of Business Administration’s 25th anniversary. 

The achievements of Pitt Business and its alumni are inspiring. I look to the future and see amazing things that we are capable of together. I see outstanding faculty, staff, and students who believe in the power of business to shape a better world and who pursue academic excellence in a community welcoming to all. I see rich opportunities to bring together the strengths of Pitt Business and Pitt with the strengths and needs of Pittsburgh. I see enormous potential for teaming up with alumni and corporate partners to deliver truly transformational learning experiences for students — and to generate high-impact research that shapes the future of business.  

As we look to build on the success of Pitt Business under Dean Assad’s leadership, my first critical tasks are to listen, test out new ideas, and deepen my understanding of Pitt Business, Pitt, and Pittsburgh. I invite you to share with me your perspective on Pitt Business, and your hopes and aspirations for its future. Working together — alumni, students, faculty, staff, and corporate partners — we will propel Pitt Business into the future. 

The ability to fulfill our collective aspirations for Pitt Business ultimately depends on the ongoing and generous support of alumni, parents, and partners. Every gift of time, talent, or treasure has a meaningful impact and helps us to reach our goals. I encourage you to make a commitment to Pitt Business and, on behalf of our students, faculty, and staff, extend heartfelt thanks to those who have already come forward. Together, 

we will develop the professionals that the business world needs today, and the ideas and leaders it needs for tomorrow.