David DeJong Named Interim Human Resources Vice Chancellor

David DeJongDavid DeJong, executive vice provost, has been named interim vice chancellor of the University’s Office of Human Resources, announced Chancellor Patrick Gallagher this week.

DeJong temporarily replaces Cheryl Johnson, who after three years at the helm of the Office of Human Resources, is leaving Pittsburgh and returning to her home state of Michigan. The move will come with a new role — chief human resources officer for the Battle Creek Public School District. 

“When Chancellor Gallagher approached me and shared his strong commitment to the success and well-being of the staff, I got excited about the opportunity because that’s a commitment that I hold deeply. So off I go on a new adventure,” said DeJong.

DeJong ascended the ranks of academia and administration during his 30-year tenure at Pitt. He joined the University in 1989 as an assistant professor in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and SciencesDepartment of Economics; he was promoted to professor in 2001 and to chair of the department in 2006.

In 2010, he joined the Office of the Provost and serves as executive vice provost. As part of this role, he serves as the liaison between human resources and the units in the provost’s area. “This includes making sure that each area has a staffing plan and that the plans are followed when staff actions take place,” said DeJong. Additional responsibilities as executive vice provost lend themselves to his interim position leading human resources for the University, such as hiring, promotions, salary changes and ensuring each area has a staffing plan in place.

Said DeJong: “I look forward to bringing to bear the strong relationships I’ve built over the years at the University to strengthen the support we’re providing to our staff.”

As Poet Laureate Emeritus of the Year of Humanities, DeJong is an enthusiastic (and published, he noted) haiku poet. He penned a haiku to share with colleagues this week:

“The road forked and boom!
I careen towards an unknown.
Heartened by fast friends.”

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