A graduate of West Virginia University with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in sociology, Jay Darr earned a master’s and a Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from Duquesne University, and is a licensed professional counselor in Pennsylvania and Texas.
He joined OEDI from Student Affairs, where he served as the first-ever associate dean of student wellness.
During his tenure, 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.
In his new role, Darr represents OEDI on critical University-wide initiatives aimed at supporting the implementation of the Plan for Pitt 2028 by fostering collaboration, advising on policy and programmatic initiatives, and coordinating with University leaders to promote and improve campus culture.