Around the Burgh

Mayor Corey O’Connor and the City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety Director Sheldon Williams have announced that Reverend Cornell Jones has been hired to the role of Assistant Director for Community Affairs.  

“To have safer and more vibrant neighborhoods, we’re building a Department of Public Safety with leaders that understand the value of connecting our communities with our public safety bureaus,” said Mayor O’Connor. “Cornell has great experience with vulnerable communities and has coordinated an effective public safety outreach strategy for Downtown. I look forward to seeing his continued work in developing people-centered solutions and initiatives throughout the city.”  

As Assistant Director for Public Safety’s Community Affairs, Jones will work to develop positive and productive relationships between the community and the Public Safety Bureaus of Police, Fire, EMS and Animal Care & Control. He will work with community leaders, neighborhood organizations, external agencies, educators, officials and residents across the city to identify challenges and collaborative develop effective solutions, programs and initiatives. 

“Cornell has been an important part of the Public Safety team and has made a great impact in bringing together the bureaus, the community and outreach teams to meet the needs of our residents,” said Public Safety Director Sheldon Williams. “We are grateful to have him step into a new leadership role as Assistant Director to help us further our goals with community engagement.”  

Since 2017, Jones has worked in the Department of Public Safety as the Group Violence Intervention (GVI) coordinator, where he brings street outreach teams, law enforcement and social workers together to counteract and prevent violence in the community. A minister, he previously served as the Protestant Chaplain at the State Correctional Institution (SCI) Pittsburgh prison for 10 years, where he worked closely in crisis deescalation and gang prevention and is a trained member of the National Organization of Victim Assistance.  

A longtime community leader for those involved in gangs, violence and incarceration, Jones has launched initiatives that promote unity and support such as the We are the Village movement and Operation Amani. He has taught trainings across the country and won the National BMe Genius Award and the National Fred Rogers Helper Award.  

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato announced Forward with Families, a new, coordinated initiative to strengthen stability, opportunity, and quality of life for working families across Allegheny County. As part of the initiative, Allegheny County will expand access to childcare and out-of-school time (OST) programs, with a goal of creating 5,000 new slots over the next five years.

Led by the Allegheny County Department of Children Initiatives, the expansion of childcare and OST slots will focus on increasing capacity, supporting providers, and addressing gaps in care, particularly for infants and toddlers, evenings and weekends, and before- and after-school programming.

The Forward with Families announcement, made at the Northern Area Clubhouse of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania alongside community partners, outlines a multi-pronged approach to addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing families today. The five pillars of Forward with Families are:

• Health and Well-Being
• Childcare, Caregiving, and Learning
• Employment and Education
• Housing and Food
• Savings and Cash

“Too many families in Allegheny County are doing everything right and still struggling to find affordable childcare, stable housing, and the support they need to get ahead,” said County Executive Innamorato. “Forward with Families is about changing that. It is about making real, coordinated investments that meet families where they are and remove barriers to opportunity. When we support working families, we strengthen our workforce, grow our economy, and build better communities.”

Allegheny County is also promoting a refreshed tool, the Forward with Families Program Finder, where Allegheny County residents can input information about their address, children, and what kind of program they’re looking for and find options for child care, out of school time slots, and summer camps, all in one place.

“Forward with Families helps make sure every parent in Allegheny County has a meaningful pathway to stability and opportunity. Investing in childcare, workforce supports, and community-based organizations creates the foundations for families to get ahead,” said CEO of Partner4Work Rob Cherry. “This initiative reflects County Executive Innamorato's commitment to building an economy that works for everyone, where families can thrive and employers can grow with a strong, supported workforce.”

Forward with Families brings together new investments and existing programs into a unified strategy, developed in collaboration with residents, employers, community organizations, and philanthropic partners.

“Expanding access to childcare means more opportunity for families, more stability for employers, and stronger early learning experiences for children during the years that matter most,” said Cara Ciminillo, Executive Director of Trying Together. “Families deserve systems that work for them. Children deserve a strong start. And when we get that right, all of us benefit.”

The initiative reflects Allegheny County’s commitment to building a community where every family has the support they need to succeed.

“An investment in out-of-school time programs and the lives of young people and their families is an investment in a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous Allegheny County for all,” said Christopher Watts, President and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania. “Thanks to the leadership of County Executive Innamorato, Senator Pisciottano, Pittsburgh’s foundation community, and key partners, the Forward with Families initiative will improve the quality of life for thousands of children and early learners and help them succeed in the classroom, in life, and in their future workplaces.” 

Additional components of Forward with Families will be announced in the coming months. To learn more about Forward with Families, visit alleghenycounty.us/forwardwithfamilies.

For more than three decades, Pittsburgh viewers have welcomed Sheldon Ingram into their homes as one of the trusted faces of WTAE-TV Action News 4. Now, after an extraordinary 34-year career in broadcast journalism, Ingram is preparing to sign off for the final time, with his last broadcast scheduled for May 29, 2026.

Since joining WTAE in 1992, Ingram has become a respected and familiar presence on the station’s 4, 5, and 6 p.m. newscasts, while also serving as host of 4 The Record. His calm delivery, thoughtful reporting, and deep commitment to telling meaningful stories have made him a cornerstone of Pittsburgh journalism.

Throughout his career, Ingram has covered some of the region’s most important stories, earning the trust of viewers and the respect of colleagues across the industry. His dedication to impactful storytelling was recognized with a regional Emmy Award for his contribution to Chronicle: State of Addiction, a powerful special that highlighted one of the nation’s most pressing public health crises.

But Ingram’s influence has extended far beyond the newsroom.

Known for his strong community involvement, he has served on the boards of the Homeless Children’s Education Fund and Every Child, Inc., helping support vulnerable children and families throughout the Pittsburgh region. His work both on and off camera has reflected a career built not only on journalism, but on service.

Now, Ingram is preparing for an exciting new chapter—one far from the anchor desk, but still in front of the camera.

He is leaving broadcast journalism to pursue acting full-time, building on appearances he has already made in productions such as Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and The Deliverance. His transition from journalism to acting marks a bold and inspiring next step, proving that reinvention is possible at any stage of life.

As Pittsburgh prepares to say goodbye to one of its most familiar reporters, viewers are also celebrating a remarkable legacy—one defined by professionalism, compassion, and connection.

For Sheldon Ingram, the final sign-off at WTAE is not an ending—it is the beginning of a brand-new spotlight.

Long before she became an award-winning author, Sharon G. Flake grew up in a house full of storytellers.

In the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood of North Philadelphia, the Flake household was rarely quiet. The fifth born of six children, Flake grew up listening as relatives gathered to talk about work, family memories and the rhythms of everyday life. Stories came alive through voices, gestures and laughter.

At the time, she didn’t realize those moments were shaping her future.

“I look back and say, ‘Oh — you got me interested in stories,’” Flake (A&S ’78) said of her parents and extended family. “They were my first storytellers.”

Those early experiences — the sense of community and the way people cared for one another — would later echo through the pages of her books.

Now the origins of that storytelling, and the impact it has had on generations of readers, are resonating from a new home. The University of Pittsburgh Library System has acquired a major collection of Flake’s papers and materials, documenting decades of literary work and cultural influence.

The archive includes manuscripts, drafts, letters and personal memorabilia that reveal both her creative process and the reach of her stories.

It is fitting that the collection now resides at Pitt. After all, the campus is where Flake first began to discover her voice.

In 1973, Flake arrived at the University of Pittsburgh convinced she would become a doctor. Like many first-year students, however, she was still figuring out who she was and where she belonged.

Science classes soon convinced her that medicine wasn’t her path forward. Writing, however, felt different.

At Pitt, Flake discovered something more important than a career plan — it was permission.

“I was allowed to make mistakes,” she said. “I was allowed to cross things out. I was allowed to be honest.”

That freedom helped her find a voice she hadn’t yet been confident enough to use in everyday life. Writing allowed her to express ideas and truths she might never have spoken aloud.

Flake graduated with a degree in English writing and later worked in public relations at Pitt, telling the stories of accomplished alumni, staff, faculty and students. But telling her own stories remained central to her life, too.

In 1992, Flake entered a short story contest judged by acclaimed playwright August Wilson. Her entry, “The Luckiest Sister,” explored colorism within a family through the eyes of a light-skinned girl reflecting on how the world treated her darker-skinned sibling.

The story won.

Wilson presented the award in a Hill District church, a moment Flake still remembers vividly. The story was later published in AIM magazine and became her first published work of fiction.

The themes she explored in that early story — identity, belonging and self-acceptance — would later shape her literary career.

Flake’s debut novel, “The Skin I’m In,” published in 1998, quickly became a landmark in young adult literature. The story follows Maleeka Madison, a middle school girl struggling with bullying and insecurity about her dark skin. Through the guidance of a teacher who embraces her own difference, Maleeka learns to claim her voice and self-worth.

The novel resonated deeply with readers and educators. It won the 1999 Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe Award for New Talent and later received additional Coretta Scott King honors.

Over the years, Flake has written numerous acclaimed books for young readers, including “Money Hungry,” “Pinned,” “Bang!” “The Life I’m In” and “The Family I’m In.” Her stories explore the emotional lives of young people navigating identity, relationships and resilience. Her recent book “Hattie Mae Begins Again” has earned broad praise.

For many readers, those stories are deeply personal.

Khirsten L. Scott, an assistant professor in Pitt’s School of Education and director of the Western Pennsylvania Writing Project, remembers first encountering Flake’s work as a child.

Scott’s great-aunt, who worked for a publishing company in Chicago, would periodically send her boxes of books.

“One time, ‘The Skin I’m In’ was in that box,” Scott recalled. “What struck me immediately was the cover: There was a Black girl on it.”

For Scott, that representation was powerful. “I do not remember seeing that very often when I was young, especially not on a chapter book that centered a young Black girl’s story,” she said. I felt deeply connected to Maleeka.”

Years later, after moving to Pittsburgh, Scott had the opportunity to meet Flake through community work around literacy and youth writing. The conversations they shared, she said, deepened her appreciation for Flake’s influence.

“What stands out to me about Sharon’s work is how expansively she stories Black life — families, communities and the layered realities of Black cultural experience,” said Scott, who added that it’s an influence she sees in classrooms.

Teachers often choose Flake’s books, said Scott, because students connect so strongly to the characters and themes. Through programs supported by the Western Pennsylvania Writing Project, students have read “The Skin I’m In” and even had opportunities to meet Flake and discuss her work.

Today, Flake is thinking about legacy.

Among the materials now preserved in Pitt’s archive are speeches, drafts of books, event programs and letters from teachers and readers. One box even includes a handmade T-shirt a student created based on one of her novels. Another contains a Japanese translation of “The Skin I’m In” sent by a reader overseas.

Most meaningful to Flake are the letters from students.

“I kept almost everything,” she said. “Letters, drawings, thank-you notes. Those things tell a story, too.”

The archive also reveals her creative process — handwritten edits, crossed-out sentences and early drafts that show writing as a complicated, evolving craft.

“I want people to see that creativity is messy,” she said. “You try things. You throw some things out.”

When readers and researchers explore the collection, Flake hopes they discover something deeper than literary success.

Her writing, she said, carries a simple but powerful message.

“It’s OK to be Black,” she said. “And it’s OK to be yourself.”

“Writing allows you to open your heart,” she said. “It should be honest and unashamed.”

Source: University of Pittsburgh

Dr. Catherine Udekwu, a cherished pediatrician in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of love, care, and compassion. Known for her unwavering dedication to her patients and their families, Dr. Udekwu was not just a doctor, but a trusted friend and advisor to countless parents in the community. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and loved ones, as confirmed by her children in an emotional message shared with the public.

“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our dear mother, Dr. Catherine Udekwu. She passed away peacefully last night surrounded by family and loved ones,” her children wrote. “Thank you all for all of your love and support through this difficult time. Our mother loved all of you, her patients, families, and coworkers so dearly.”

Dr. Udekwu’s passing has left a deep void in the hearts of many who knew her. Her impact as a pediatrician was immeasurable, with a reputation for being compassionate, supportive, and deeply attuned to the needs of both her young patients and their families.

Among the many heartfelt tributes shared on social media, Caitlin Moore, a mother of two, recalled Dr. Udekwu’s support during some of the most challenging times in her life. “One of the best pediatricians I have ever had the pleasure of knowing after my daughter completed a 3-month NICU stay and my second born being a home birth during COVID. She boosted my confidence as a new mom and really supported my early motherhood by trusting my judgment and concerns with respect and dignity. RIP Dr. U!”

Pauline Mary, another parent who worked closely with Dr. Udekwu, shared an equally emotional tribute, remembering her as “the BEST pediatrician.” She praised Dr. Udekwu for respecting her holistic approach to parenting and for always validating her decisions as a mother. “Our African queen is gone. I’m so heartbroken! She was literally the BEST! A beautiful woman inside and out. It was an honor to know her, and I’ll always remember the advice she gave me. Rest peacefully, queen! You changed the world, Dr. Catherine Udekwu.”

Dr. Udekwu was more than just a pediatrician—she was a source of comfort and wisdom for the many families who sought her expertise. Her ability to listen, understand, and offer thoughtful advice earned her the respect and admiration of not only her patients but also her colleagues.

Her untimely passing has left a community in mourning, but the love and support that she showed to others will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched. As her family and friends navigate this difficult loss, the legacy of Dr. Catherine Udekwu will forever be remembered.

Obituary: VIMemorial

"So long as I do not firmly and irrevocably possess the right to vote 

I do not possess myself. I cannot make up my mind 

— it is made up for me. I cannot live as a democratic citizen, 

observing the laws I have helped to enact 

— I can only submit to the edict of others."

Martin Luther King, Jr.  

(See, Martin Luther King: A crusader for voting rights | League of Women Voters)

R. Daniel Lavelle was born and raised in Pittsburgh’s Hill District.  He became an elected member of Pittsburgh’s City Council in January 2010.  “While on Council, Councilman Lavelle has Chaired the Land Use and Economic Development Committee, Public Safety Committee, and the Finance and Law Committee. In January 2024, he was elected and sworn in as the President of City Council…”  (For more details, see https://www.pittsburghpa.gov/City-Government/City-Council/Districts/R.-Daniel-Lavelle-District-6/Councilman-R.-Daniel-Lavelle).  The following interview on personal and political agency was conducted by his uncle, Jack L. Daniel, who is also a Pittsburgh Urban Media Contributor.

JLD:  Councilman Lavelle, as we are discussing things, personal agency is used in reference to people having a sense of as well as the ability to make significant choices and take related actions regarding key aspects of their lives.  The lack of agency includes a sense of helplessness; a feeling of being a victim of circumstances; and a general inability to influence your life circumstances and, in turn, related choices you might make.  With this meaning of personal agency in mind, who and what was critical to developing your personal sense of agency?

RDL: For me, personal agency doesn’t come from one singular person or defining moment.  For example, it’s the result of a collective effort, shaped by the family who raised me and the values they instilled. From an early age, we were encouraged to participate in adult conversations. We didn’t just sit at the “kids” table —we were expected to join in, challenge ideas, and most importantly, be able to articulate our own perspectives. That family dynamic gave me confidence, critical thinking, and a sense that my voice mattered.

My grandfather often said, in essence, “If there’s something you can change, don’t complain—you’ve got work to do.” That mantra stuck with me. It taught me that frustration alone isn’t enough.  You also have a responsibility to act when and where you can.

An inspirational moment came while attending an NAACP dinner as a child. A White woman at our table was marveling at how far we’d come, how wonderful it was that our children could now go to school together. My mother, ever composed, eventually replied, “I wasn’t active in the civil rights movement in order that my child could sit next to a White one. I was active because I wanted White people to stop putting up unnecessary obstacles and just get out of the way.” That clarity of purpose—of wanting opportunity, not permission—has stayed with me.

Again, an unexpected seemingly small but important thing helped build my agency. You started taking me fishing when I was in sixth grade. I had to learn how to wade through a cold, slippery stream. At first it was uncomfortable and disorienting. But over time, I found my footing and learned to navigate with ease. That experience taught me something essential: agency isn’t always loud or dramatic—it’s the quiet confidence that you can find your way.

And then, when I was very young, there was my father who  took me camping with his Scout troop. Those trips taught me discipline, problem-solving, and self-reliance—lessons that stay with you long after the tents were packed up.

So, no, I can’t point to a single “who” or “what.”  My sense of agency comes from many moments and people, often without them realizing the impact they were having.  

JLD:  Regarding political agency, “In political science, agency refers to the capacity of individuals or groups to act independently and make their own choices. …Agency encompasses the ability to make decisions, exert influence, and engage in actions that can affect political landscapes. It raises important questions about who qualifies as an agent, the criteria that define agency, and the factors that facilitate or inhibit that agency.  At its core, agency emphasizes the potential for human actors to take initiative and drive change.” (See,  What is the role of agency in today's political science).  As you know, a fundamental key to political agency is voting, yet we often encounter young eligible voters who believe their votes don’t matter.  How did you ever convince such a person that they should vote?

RDL:  Ever so often, I’m invited to speak with students about the importance of voting. And what I’ve learned is the following:  You have to make it personal. You can’t just recite history or stats.  You have to show them how government impacts their lives in tangible ways.  For example, I was once speaking to a group of high school seniors. There was a young man in the back clearly disengaged—headphones on, not paying attention. I waved furiously until I caught his eye and asked him to take the headphones off. He did. I asked if he knew who the President was. “Of course—Obama!” he said proudly. I asked if he knew his Congressperson or Senator. He didn’t. Governor? State Rep? Still no. “Do you know who the Mayor is?” I asked. “I think it’s Bill something,” he replied. “And do you know who I am?” “No,” he said.

“Well,” I told him, “I’m the guy who can have a bigger impact on your daily life than either Bill or Obama.” He looked stunned. “Impossible,” he said. I asked if he liked listening to music. He said he did—on the way to and from school. “Great,” I said. “Well, I’m thinking of passing a law that bans young men from wearing headphones in public.” “You can’t do that!” he snapped. “Actually, I can if I can get just four more votes on Council,” I said.

We kept going. I asked him what else he liked to do—and I made up a law to ban that too. Eventually, another student raised his hand and asked, “Can you make any good laws?” That opened the door for me to talk about the work I’d done to decriminalize marijuana in Pittsburgh. From there, the energy shifted. We had an honest, engaged conversation about how government shapes their lives, for better or worse, and why voting is how they shape government in return.  It’s moments like the foregoing when you realize people don’t disconnect from voting because they don’t care. They disconnect because no one has shown them how deeply it matters to them.

JLD:  Of the legislation that you have sponsored, which one(s) do you believe contributed most to your constituents’ agency?

RDL: Of all the legislation I’ve sponsored, I’m most proud of the work that expands my constituents’ ability to live with dignity, stability, and opportunity. One of the most impactful tools has been the Housing Opportunity Fund (HOF), which I fought to establish so that every Pittsburgher has access to a safe and affordable place to call home.  The HOF is an annual $10 million allocation administered by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). It’s not a one-time fund—it’s a sustained investment in housing justice.

Just in 2024 alone, HOF programming included the following:

• Invested in the creation and/or preservation of 193 rental units;
• Supported the creation or preservation of 11 for-sale homes;
• Prevented displacement for over 560 households;
• Helped 93 people become first-time homeowners—the majority of whom were single Black women with children;
• Repaired 52 aging homes, allowing longtime residents to safely age in place; and
• Provided legal assistance to 985 renters and homeowners, protecting them from unjust evictions and foreclosure.

The foregoing in not just a matter of housing policy.  That’s agency in action. It’s ensuring people have the power to stay in their communities, build generational wealth, and raise families without the constant threat of instability.

Beyond housing, I’ve championed legislation aimed at empowering our residents in other critical ways:

• The Responsible Banking Ordinance, which holds banks accountable for how they serve our neighborhoods;
• The Resolution declaring racism a public health crisis, which laid the foundation for deeper structural change;
• The Ordinance establishing the Pittsburgh Commission on Racial Equity, to ensure that our city continually centers justice and inclusion in policymaking;
• The creation of the Office of Community Health and Safety, which redirects resources toward non-police responses to crises—grounded in care, not criminalization; and
• The Stop the Violence Trust Fund, which has supported community-based interventions that contributed to the lowest homicide rates in years, including zero teen homicides last year, a decline that outpaces every major U.S. city.

Each of the foregoing initiatives is about more than policy. They are about power and, in turn, agency.  They help residents reclaim control over their lives, their communities, and their futures. That’s what political agency consists of for me. 

JLD:  Thank you.  In the spirit of former Congressman John Lewis, do continue to dwell in the world of “good trouble” and, in doing so, contribute to the agency of others.

Jack L. Daniel

Co-founder, Freed Panther Society

Contributor, Pittsburgh Urban Media

Author, Negotiating a Historically White University While Black

September 1, 2025

We know how important it is for kids to spend time reading with positive, engaging adults. Volunteer to become a "Reading Buddy" today!

Why are pirates called pirates? (They just ARRRRR!)

If you, like me and countless kids in Pittsburgh, enjoy corny jokes like these, then consider becoming a Reading Buddies volunteer!

No seriously, I’m not joking. Reading Buddies is a volunteer program where the library recruits, trains, and places caring adults in our Children’s Spaces to engage in kid led activities during out of school time.

This could be telling silly jokes, playing Uno or other fun games, working on crafts and activities, getting deep into the world of Roblox, or… just about anything. Do you have a passion for helping kids with homework? There will probably be a helpful amount of that as well (and if you’re unsure about homework help, we have trainings to support you and make you aware of library resources you can share with kids in our Children’s Spaces).

It works like this: if you’re interested in volunteering with children in our community, you can browse opportunities here and apply to be a Reading Buddy by emailing us at volunteers@carnegielibrary.org, subject line: tell me a corny joke (or, subject line: Reading Buddies, whichever works for you).

We’ll invite you to a centralized training where you and a cohort of new Reading Buddies will be onboarded to some library basics and guidelines for working with kids (yes, it is called READING Buddies, but no, you are not limited to reading and in fact should explore what the kids are interested in exploring!). We will match you with a branch based on their need and your availability, and from there you’ll meet the staff and the kids and begin to schedule regular volunteer shifts.

As a Children’s Librarian for many years, I saw that Reading Buddies is one of the most fulfilling volunteer roles the library hosts. The kids love when Buddies are in the space, and our volunteers do too. If you have any questions, or would like to sign up, email us at volunteers@carnegielibrary.org and we’ll start the sign-up process with you.

In the meantime, what do you call a pile of cats? (A meow-ntain!)

Source: ISABELLE at Carnegie Library

January 9, 2025

After a comprehensive national search, Professor and Vice Dean Jerry Dickinson has been named dean of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, effective Jan. 15.

A Pittsburgh native, Dickinson has built a national, international and local reputation as a constitutional law scholar and civil rights lawyer. He has extensive litigation and transactional pro bono experience in civil rights and civil liberties.

Dickinson joined the Pitt Law faculty in 2017 and was appointed as vice dean in March 2023. His teaching and scholarship specialize in constitutional law, civil rights and civil liberties, judicial federalism, property, law and democracy, and race and the law. He has been published in the nation’s top law reviews and cited by U.S. Courts of Appeals for the 3rd and 6th Circuits, amicus briefs filed by members of Congress in federal courts, and in national and international news outlets.

Before joining the Pitt Law faculty, Dickinson practiced at Reed Smith LLP in Pittsburgh, where he founded and coordinated the Housing Rights Project, a pro bono initiative advocating for indigent tenants in eviction proceedings in Allegheny County. He also served as a law clerk for Theodore A. McKee, former chief judge of the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia.

Dickinson is also a former Fulbright scholar to Johannesburg, South Africa, where he studied comparative constitutional law and housing. There he worked as a human rights activist, representing squatters in eviction proceedings.

Dickinson holds a JD from Fordham University; a LLM from the University of the Witwatersrand School of Law in Johannesburg, South Africa; and an AB in political science and sociology from the College of the Holy Cross.

“I deeply thank Mary Crossley for her exceptional service during her time as interim dean,” Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor Joseph J. McCarthy said in an announcement. Crossley served as dean of the School of Law from 2005 to 2012 and agreed to serve once again in July 2023. “Her efforts on behalf of the school have been both highly effective and excellent.”

McCarthy also thanked the search committee — co-chaired by Gene Anderson, Henry E. Haller Jr. Dean of the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business and College of Business Administration, and Carissa Slotterback, dean of the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs — for their diligent efforts throughout the search process.