About

What Is a Provost?

The provost is Pitt’s chief academic officer and is responsible for leading the team that develops and implements the University's academic vision.

Interim Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Joseph J. McCarthy was announced as Pitt's new provost and senior vice chancellor in March 2024, pending approval by the Board of Trustees, after a national search and after having served as interim provost and senior vice chancellor since July 1, 2023.

The provost provides general oversight of academic affairs, including education, faculty, and student life. The provost has primary responsibility for all aspects of the University of Pittsburgh’s academic mission. These duties include supporting scholarly excellence among more than 5,900 faculty members and success among the University’s nearly 34,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students on all five Pitt campuses. Ten Pitt schools and a number of centers and other academic areas report to the provost.

View past provosts of the University of Pittsburgh »