After leading for two months in an interim role, David DeJong has been named vice chancellor of the University’s Office of Human Resources (OHR).
“Taking on this position has afforded me the chance to have an impact in a new area of the University,” DeJong said. “This brings with it an opportunity to meet new people, expand my horizons and serve and support both OHR and Pitt.”
Prior to his appointment to interim leader of human resources, DeJong served in the Office of the Provost as executive vice provost, where he was the liaison between human resources and the units in the provost’s area. Responsibilities as executive vice provost lent themselves to his new role in human resources for the University, such as hiring, promotions, salary changes and ensuring each area has a staffing plan in place.
New Vice Chancellor for Human Resources David DeJong spoke with the University Times about what he’s learned so far in this role and what his future plans include.
Read more about DeJong at the Office of Human Resources’ website.
DeJong spent much of the past two months doing a deep dive into Pitt’s human resources, including meeting human resources staff — “a great group; highly professional, dedicated, and certainly motivated to continue making a difference at Pitt,” he noted — and with stakeholders across campus.
DeJong said that his working relationships with University partners — including senior leadership, shared governance groups and faculty and staff — honed over his 30-year tenure at Pitt, and his experiences in the Provost’s office have been a benefit and served him well as he has transitioned to this new role.
“I appreciate the opportunity to contribute in a new and exciting way. OHR has welcomed me with open arms, and I am thankful for the strong support the University community has offered to both OHR and me,” he said. “I’m looking forward to what’s to come.”