The department will be responsible for local, regional, and national news story development and placement and media relations. It will maintain the University’s news Web site and produce Pitt Campaign Chronicle, the University’s weekly newspaper. Harvith will serve as associate publisher of the newspaper.

John Harvith

Harvith earned his A.B. in music history with high distinction, Phi Beta Kappa, from the University of Michigan, and a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School, where he also received first prize in the Nathan Burkan Memorial Copyright Competition. He is the recipient of two gold medal awards and an exceptional achievement award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

Ron Cichowicz, assistant director of news and information at Pitt since 1998, will serve as associate director of the new department. He will continue as managing editor of Pitt Campaign Chronicle.

Dwight A. Chambers has been appointed senior graphic designer for Pitt Campaign Chronicle, which he has served as graphic designer since its founding, in 2000.

“This reorganization in our news functions represents a more appropriate organizational structure at this critical stage in the Public Affairs Office. The new staff assignments ensure that the best leadership and talent will propel Pitt’s institutional communications and reputational management program into the new millennium with distinction,” said Robert Hill, executive director of public affairs, publisher of the Pitt Campaign Chronicle, and University spokesperson.