Carlow University officials launched a national search effort when university president Suzanne K. Mellon announced her decision to retire on June 30.

But they didn’t have to look far to find what they called an ideal leader for the 92 year-old Oakland-based university.

On Friday, Carlow trustees announced they have unanimously agreed on naming University of Pittsburgh Senior Vice Chancellor Kathy W. Humphrey the 11th president of the university.

“I am elated and honored to have been asked to lead an institution so committed to providing transformational learning opportunities for its students,” Humphrey said.

Carlow, perched on a steep slope in Oakland less than a mile from Pitt, enrolls about 2,000 students.

Mellon, who has led Carlow since 2014, said Humphrey is the right person to lead Carlow.

“She understands the important role Carlow plays in the Pittsburgh region and will continue to build upon this progressive, innovative institution rooted in the values of our founders,” Mellon said.

Humphrey has been with Pitt since 2005. She came to Pitt from St. Louis University in 2005 as vice provost and dean of students. In her current role as senior vice chancellor for student engagement, officials said she has led initiatives to dismantle systemic racism and has been at the forefront of expanding community engagement efforts.

She is chair of board of the Forbes Fund; chair of the program committee for the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh; board member at Leadership Pittsburgh where she served as chair from 2018-2020; and a board member of Gwen’s Girls and the Blood Science Foundation. She is also a member of Macedonia on the Hill in Pittsburgh.

Carlow Board Chair Dorothy A. Davis said Humphrey’s leadership skills coupled with her deep commitment to Catholic Mercy values, especially regarding matters of social justice, equity and inclusion is a good fit for Carlow.

“I think Carlow is fortunate to have found such an exceptional leader who will inspire and motivate our Carlow students, faculty, and larger community with her courageous voice, effective skills and engaged involvement in support of our Mercy mission of service,” Davis said. “She will ensure our legacy of academic excellence, particularly in the health sciences, while maintaining our foundation in the liberal arts, and providing a pipeline of exceptional graduates to the work force.”

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