Enduring Mission.
Emerging Pathways.

For nearly 150 years, ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ’s mission has inspired us to serve God by serving students, so they in turn may serve others. The service of generations of entrepreneurs, lawyers, nurses, teachers, scientists, scholars, musicians and other professionals has helped build our home city of Pittsburgh and deliver good for the greater world.

Board Chair Diane Hupp with Dr. David Dausey
Board Chair Diane Hupp with Dr. David Dausey

In November 2025, ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ Board Chair Diane Hupp announced that Dr. David Dausey, executive vice president and provost at ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ, was selected to be the University’s 14th President. His term will begin on July 1, 2026.

A transformative academic leader and an internationally recognized epidemiologist, Dr. Dausey has championed initiatives that have expanded the University’s academic reach—launching new schools, departments, programs and institutes, including the Nasuti College of Osteopathic Medicine and a revitalized portfolio of engineering programs. 

There’s a sense of optimism across campus about this new chapter—one defined by meaningful partnerships and a deep commitment to the students and the enduring mission that make ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ extraordinary.

"I love this university. It is the greatest honor of my life to be its next president. I will give it the full measure of my energy, my experience, and my heart."

Dr. David Dausey

The Inauguration of Dr. David J. Dausey: September 13-18, 2026

Inauguration Week Events

The investiture of David J. Dausey will serve as a signature moment in a multi-day celebration inviting the ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ community to honor our scholarship, history, and the distinctive value of the ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ experience. 

Distinctive events will include:

  • Inaugural Mass: Sunday, September 13, 11 a.m., ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ Chapel
  • Investiture Ceremony: Thursday, September 17, 1 p.m., UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse
  • All-Campus Reception: Thursday, September 17, immediately following the Investiture Ceremony, Academic Walk
  • Exhibits of Student and Faculty Research and Creative Work: Presented throughout the week in public spaces across campus

Dr. Dausey will hold several additional special events throughout the week, for specific audiences, including a Conversation with Student Government and Leaders; and a Faculty Senate Address.

Additional details about the inauguration week schedule will be posted as they are confirmed.

Information for Delegates

The inauguration of a university president is a celebration not only of that institution but of the entire academic community. Dressed in the academic regalia of their respective institutions, delegates march in the inauguration processional in order of the founding date of each institution.

Academic Dress
Delegates participating in the academic procession may bring their own academic dress or may rent regalia from the ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ bookstore.

Rental information
To rent academic dress, email DUBookstoreFREEDUQUESNE by Friday, August 28, 2026, to provide sizing and contact information and to arrange for payment. Rental regalia will be available for pickup at a designated delegate robing location to be announced.

Campus Map

Parking

Event parking is available in the Forbes Avenue Parking Garage (#41 on the campus map). The entrance is off Forbes Avenue, on the right-hand side just past the Power Center and directly across from McGinley Hall. GPS Address:

Accommodations

We have and exclusive offers for ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ visitors at the following hotels:

What Our Community is Saying

Dr. Dausey’s values and experience uniquely align with our vision for an exciting future of service to our students, our region and the world. We have great confidence that Dr. Dausey is the right leader for this key moment in the life of ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ.

Diane Hupp Chair of the ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ Board of Directors

Students talk about administration a lot, and I’ve only ever heard positive things about Dr. Dausey. So us already having a relationship with him as student government, him being the provost here already… we’re going to be ready to get right to work.

Nick Miller President of ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ’s Student Government Association
Father John Fogarty headshot

The Spiritan Congregation knows and admires Dr. Dausey for his leadership on many fronts at ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ. He has done much to keep Spiritan character at the heart of ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ’s academic enterprise.

Fr. John Fogarty Provincial of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit Province of the U.S. and Chair of the ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ Corporation
President Ken Gormley

Provost Dausey has earned the trust and respect of faculty and staff across the University. David has exhibited creativity and leadership not only when it comes to ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ’s faculty research and teaching but also in shaping a vision for the University.

Ken Gormley 13th President of ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ

Let's Hear Your Ideas!

As Dr. Dausey prepares to become ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ’s President in July 2026, he is meeting with faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners to listen, learn and gather ideas for the University’s future.

Dr. Dausey invites you to share your thoughts with him through a Qualtrics survey. All feedback shared through the survey is confidential, and you have the option to submit it anonymously.

President-Elect Communications

View Dr. Dausey's recent messages to the campus community.

  • — May 5, 2026
  • — April 1, 2026
  • — March 17, 2026
  • — March 9, 2026
  • — February 19, 2026
  •  â€” February 17, 2026
  • — February 13, 2026
  • — January 28, 2026
  • — January 26, 2026

More About ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ's Incoming President

Epidemiologist, professor and academic administrator, Dr. Dausey has revitalized ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ’s academic unit since becoming provost in 2018.

David Dausey speaking at a podium while people stand and applaud

A Historic Announcement

In a memorable event, Dausey is revealed to be ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ's 14th President.

Aerial view of ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ's campus

What ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ Sought

¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ cast a wide net in a national search for its 14th President.

Front of Canevin Hall that houses the School of Education

Unknown Lasts

Watch Dausey's inspirational address at ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ's School of Education Commencement in 2024.

Dausey at Matriculation ceremony

A Message to ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ's New Students

Watch Dr. Dausey's speech at ¸£ÀûÃâ·ÑëƬ's 2022 matriculation ceremony.

Dausey greeting student at campus event

The Importance of Our Spiritan Mission

Watch Dr. Dausey's remarks at the 2023 Gussin Spiritan Division reception.