October 1, 2024
Dear Colleagues,
I am writing to share the news that Andrea Hergenroeder, who has served with excellence as the director of the Pre-Health Resource Center (PHRC) since July 1, 2021, will transition out of that role, effective October 1, 2024.
As you know, the PHRC focuses on providing support to all Pitt students who are interested in pursuing one of the many health-related academic programs at our University with an eye toward enabling them to reach their career goals within health fields. During her time as director, she has overseen the shift of the center from what was once known as the Pitt Interprofessional Center for Health Careers to the Pre-Health Resource Center and strategically expanded both staffing and services to include a strong and sharp focus on graduate school preparation and experiential learning. She also led the creation of the Pre-Health Scholars program, which is committed to the recruitment, retention, and graduation of pre-health undergraduates at the University of Pittsburgh.
Thanks to Andrea’s efforts, the center boasts an excellent team of advisors. The outcomes of the PHRC speak volumes about Andrea’s dedicated work. For instance, 97% of students rated their advising experience at the PHRC as extremely (83%) or somewhat (14%) satisfied.
The center also saw an impressive 20% increase in advising visits last year, with more than 2,600 students advised. As well, the Pre-Health Scholars program grew by 150%, bringing the number of students engaged in that program last year to 67. Andrea and her team were also able to deploy 34 educational programs last year to benefit all students that engage with the PHRC.
Most fortunately for us, Dr. Paula Davis, who currently directs the Pre-Health Scholars program within the PHRC, has agreed to serve as the PHRC’s interim director, effective October 1, 2024. I very much appreciate Paula’s willingness to accept this assignment and for the ongoing and outstanding expertise she has brought to the University through the years.
Please join me in thanking Andrea for her leadership and far-reaching contributions to the PHRC and in welcoming Paula to her new role.
Regards,
Joe
Joseph J. McCarthy
Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor
William Kepler Whiteford Professor of Chemical Engineering
University of Pittsburgh