David Dausey Named 14th President of Duquesne University

Enduring Mission.
Emerging Pathways.

For nearly 150 years, Duquesne University’s mission has inspired us to serve God by serving students, so they in turn may serve others. The service of generations of entrepreneurs, lawyers, nurses, teachers, scientists, scholars, musicians and other professionals has helped build our home city of Pittsburgh and deliver good for the greater world.

Board Chair Diane Hupp with Dr. David Dausey

In November 2025, Duquesne University Board Chair Diane Hupp announced that Dr. David Dausey, executive vice president and provost at Duquesne, was selected to be the University’s 14th President. His term will begin on July 1, 2026.

A transformative academic leader and an internationally recognized epidemiologist, Dr. Dausey has championed initiatives that have expanded the University’s academic reach—launching new schools, departments, programs and institutes, including the Nasuti College of Osteopathic Medicine and a revitalized portfolio of engineering programs.

There’s a sense of optimism across campus about this new chapter—one defined by meaningful partnerships and a deep commitment to the students and the enduring mission that make Duquesne University extraordinary.

"I love this university. It is the greatest honor of my life to be its next president. I will give it the full measure of my energy, my experience, and my heart."

Dr. David Dausey

The Inauguration of Dr. David J. Dausey: September 13-18, 2026

Events

Inauguration Week Events

The investiture of David J. Dausey will serve as a signature moment in a multi-day celebration inviting the Duquesne University community to honor our scholarship, history, and the distinctive value of the Duquesne experience.

Distinctive events will include:

Inaugural Mass: Sunday, September 13, 11 a.m., Duquesne University Chapel
Investiture Ceremony: Thursday, September 17, 1 p.m., UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse
All-Campus Reception: Thursday, September 17, immediately following the Investiture Ceremony, Academic Walk
Exhibits of Student and Faculty Research and Creative Work: Presented throughout the week in public spaces across campus

Dr. Dausey will hold several additional special events throughout the week, for specific audiences, including a conversation with student government and leaders, a Faculty Senate Address and an event for University staff.

Additional details about the inauguration week schedule will be posted as they are confirmed.

Delegates

Information for Delegates

The inauguration of a university president is a celebration not only of that institution but of the entire academic community. Dressed in the academic regalia of their respective institutions, delegates march in the inauguration processional in order of the founding date of each institution.

Academic Dress
Delegates participating in the academic procession may bring their own academic dress or may rent regalia from the Duquesne University bookstore.

Rental information
To rent academic dress, email DUBookstoreFREEDUQUESNE by Friday, August 28, 2026, to provide sizing and contact information and to arrange for payment. Rental regalia will be available for pickup at a designated delegate robing location to be announced.

Campus Map

Explore the Duquesne University Campus map.

Parking

Event parking is available in the Forbes Avenue Parking Garage (#41 on the campus map). The entrance is off Forbes Avenue, on the right-hand side just past the Power Center and directly across from McGinley Hall. GPS Address: 1180 Forbes Avenue

Accommodations

We have partnerships with several hotels near campus and exclusive offers for Duquesne visitors at the following hotels:

What Our Community is Saying

Dr. Dausey’s values and experience uniquely align with our vision for an exciting future of service to our students, our region and the world. We have great confidence that Dr. Dausey is the right leader for this key moment in the life of Duquesne.

Diane Hupp Chair of the Duquesne University Board of Directors

Students talk about administration a lot, and I’ve only ever heard positive things about Dr. Dausey. So us already having a relationship with him as student government, him being the provost here already… we’re going to be ready to get right to work.

Nick Miller President of Duquesne University’s Student Government Association

The Spiritan Congregation knows and admires Dr. Dausey for his leadership on many fronts at Duquesne. He has done much to keep Spiritan character at the heart of Duquesne’s academic enterprise.

Fr. John Fogarty Provincial of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit Province of the U.S. and Chair of the Duquesne University Corporation

Provost Dausey has earned the trust and respect of faculty and staff across the University. David has exhibited creativity and leadership not only when it comes to Duquesne’s faculty research and teaching but also in shaping a vision for the University.

Ken Gormley 13th President of Duquesne University

Let's Hear Your Ideas!

As Dr. Dausey prepares to become Duquesne University’s President in July 2026, he is meeting with faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners to listen, learn and gather ideas for the University’s future.

Dr. Dausey invites you to share your thoughts with him through a Qualtrics survey. All feedback shared through the survey is confidential, and you have the option to submit it anonymously.

Take the survey