Jay Darr has joined the Office for Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion on Jan. 20 as senior strategic advisor to Clyde Wilson Pickett, vice chancellor for equity, diversity, and inclusion and chief diversity officer.
Darr joins OEDI from Student Affairs, where he served as the inaugural associate dean of student wellness.
He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in sociology at West Virginia University and a master’s and a Ph.D. fin counselor education and supervision from Duquesne University.
During his tenure in Student Affairs, Darr oversaw expansion of the University Counseling Center — including staff recruitment to increase representation and reduce wait times — and led other initiatives, such the Higher Education Assessment & Response Team, the growth of Student Health Services, and a partnership with the Office of Admissions & Financial Aid to create the new Center for Financial Wellness.
Pickett said he is excited to welcome Darr to the OEDI team.
“Jay brings a wealth of institutional knowledge as well as a deep understanding of issues important to students, faculty, and staff,” Pickett said. “As the University enters the new year, we are re-affirming our commitment to growing Pitt’s reputation as an inclusive place for everyone to work, study, and do world-leading research. Jay's addition to our team helps to ensure that everything we do at Pitt is built on a foundation of access and opportunity for all members of the community.”
In his new role, Darr will represent OEDI on critical University-wide initiatives aimed at advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion across the University of Pittsburgh. As senior strategic advisor, Darr will support the implementation of the Plan for Pitt 2028 and OEDI’s strategic goals by fostering collaboration, advising on policy and programmatic initiatives, and coordinating with University leaders to promote an inclusive and equitable campus culture, Pickett said.
“My enthusiasm for the promise of Pitt has grown even more robust with the opportunity to serve as the senior strategic advisor,” Darr said. “I’m looking forward to learning from and working with students, faculty, and staff to ensure everyone has access and the opportunity to thrive.”
Darr came to Pitt in 2019 as director of the University Counseling Center. He previously worked as a counselor at the University of North Texas, where he coordinated the online therapy assistance program. He also served as president and chief executive officer of SDL Citadel, a renewable energy company in Dallas, following a 13-year career in the U.S. Army, including 10 as a commissioned officer.
Carla Panzella, vice provost for student affairs, wished Darr well in his new assignment. “I look forward to the continued impact of his leadership as he advances the University’s efforts in equity, diversity, and inclusion,” she said. “I’m excited to see Jay continue to make a difference in the lives of our Pitt community.”
The Division of Student Affairs will conduct a national search for Darr’s replacement and will support the Wellness Team through the leadership transition, Panzella said.