The University of Pittsburgh's Board of Trustees Monday elected Joan T.A. Gabel as its 19th chancellor and chief executive officer.
She will be the first woman to hold the position, replacing Patrick Gallagher who is stepping down with plans to teach on campus.
"She clearly reflects the vision, drive, experience and understanding of the issues and complexities of leading a major research university," said Chair Douglas Browning.
Gabel is currently the president at the University of Minnesota, where she led a $4 billion capital campaign that exceeded its goals by 10 percent, according to a release from the University of Pittsburgh.
She has spent the majority of her career in higher education, serving as the Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost at the University of South Carolina and Dean of the College of Business at the University of Missouri.
Gabel received her undergraduate degree at Haverford College and her law degree at the University of Georgia.
"My husband Gary and I are filled with excitement and optimism when I think about what it will mean for us to lead this institution and be a part of this institution as it moves to its next chapter, and to take leaps when needed or incremental steps as necessary to ensure that the very best days lie ahead," Gabel said.
Gabel is scheduled to begin her new role on July 1.