Professor and Provost Emeritus James V. Maher to Continue Contributing Expertise to Pitt Senior Leadership on Science, Energy, Other Key Areas

From left: Professor and Provost Emeritus James V. Maher, Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg, and Provost Patricia E. Beeson

Professor James V. Maher, who stepped down as the University of Pittsburgh’s provost and senior vice chancellor on Aug. 15, will continue to contribute to the work of the University’s senior leadership team.

Even as then-Provost Maher was preparing during the summer to leave the office that he had held for the past 16 years, Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg and then-Provost-Elect Patricia A. Beeson discussed Professor Maher’s future role in the life of the University.

Professor Maher plans to return to teaching within the University. But his years of experience and knowledge about many fields will be tapped in a number of ways. The chancellor and provost have indicated that they expect Professor Maher to function in the role of a “senior science advisor.” He has also agreed to benchmark certain of the University’s technology transfer policies against best practices nationwide and to maintain a leadership role in Pitt’s emerging energy initiatives. The chancellor and Provost Beeson said they also plan to make use of Professor Maher’s nearly 10 years of service as a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education as Pitt prepares for its own upcoming accreditation visit.

“As is absolutely clear from his long record of distinguished service as provost, Jim Maher is a unique institutional asset,” Chancellor Nordenberg said.

“Our University is so large and complex, with so many challenges to meet, that Jim’s willingness to help us deal with particular issues, tied to his experience and expertise, can only add strength to our overall team,” Provost Beeson added.

For his part, Professor Maher has indicated that he welcomes the opportunity to continue partnering with his administrative colleagues on issues that matter to him and in ways that are compatible with his desire to return to a life that also includes teaching and writing.