Looking to Further Community Engagement, Duquesne Names New CETR Director

Duquesne has named Dr. Jessica Mann as its director for the Center for Community-Engaged Teaching and Research (CETR) effective Friday, Dec. 1. The center supports teaching, learning and research projects that promote civic development and community transformation.

“The University’s new Strategic Plan places engagement with the community front and center in new and exciting ways,” said Dr. Timothy Austin, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Dr. Mann has roots both at Duquesne and in Pittsburgh. This, combined with her experience in developing community-engaged teaching and research at Seton Hill University, equips her well to lead CETR’s contributions to our community engagement efforts.”

A Duquesne alumna, Mann will oversee all CETR activities. The center assists faculty, students and community partners in several ways, including equipping faculty to practice innovative teaching and research techniques; facilitating connections between faculty and community groups; and creating opportunities for students to gain leadership experience by supporting classes taught using CETR.

Mann comes to Duquesne from Seton Hill University, where she served as associate dean for student engagement and deputy Title IX coordinator. She managed Seton Hill’s Office of Student Engagement, where she oversaw the organization’s key initiatives and developed and implemented their strategic plan. While there, Mann worked with faculty and community agency partners to implement co-curricular programs that enhanced the educational experience for students while serving the larger Greensburg community.

“Duquesne’s commitment, as an institution, to create and sustain meaningful partnerships in order to positively impact the region, enhance research surrounding local and global concerns, and engage students as agents of change is truly exceptional,” Mann said. “I am honored to return to Duquesne to aid in such initiatives and lead the CETR team.”

Mann holds a doctorate degree in administrative and policy studies-higher education management and a bachelor’s degree in media and professional communication from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s degree in integrated marketing communication from Duquesne.