Dr. Gretchen Generett Named School of Education Dean

President Ken Gormley has appointed Dr. Gretchen Givens Generett, a seasoned educator, scholar and administrator, as the dean of the School of Education, effective July 1. She has been serving as interim dean since July 2020.

A national leader in developing educators both inside and outside the classroom, Generett has been instrumental in forming partnerships and networks for academic and community-based educational stakeholders that incorporate equity-focused curricular experiences.

“There is no one to better lead the School of Education than Dr. Generett,” said Duquesne Provost Dr. David Dausey. “She is an accomplished educator and administrator who is highly regarded by the school’s faculty, staff and students. Dr. Generett exemplifies the school’s ability to prepare students for anything, whether it’s a traditional K-12 classroom or other instructional setting.”

A Duquesne faculty member since 2008, Generett also has served as associate dean for graduate studies and research, chair of the Department of Educational Foundations and Leadership, director of the University Council Educational Administration’s Center for Educational Leadership and Social Justice at Duquesne. She is the University’s Noble J. Dick Endowed Chair in Community Outreach.

“Dr. Generett exemplifies Duquesne’s commitment to creating equity and opportunity in our region,” said Duquesne President Ken Gormley. “She is a natural leader, gifted scholar and trusted community partner. She is a perfect choice to lead the School of Education.”

A qualitative researcher, Generett’s scholarship intersects traditional sociology of education, African-American studies and feminist studies with progressive concepts of justice that examine agency, empowerment and action. She currently serves as the president elect for the American Educational Studies Association and is associate editor for the Oxford Encyclopedia of Race and Education and Professing Education. Locally, she serves on the boards of the Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting Community Advisory Council, Catalyst Academy Charter School, Contemporary Craft, Alumni Theatre Company and SSB Bank.

“The past 18 months has been a stark reminder of the importance of education and mental health,” Generett said. “As dean, I look forward to working alongside our excellent education, counseling and psychology faculty and staff as we work together in our efforts to make a difference in the lives of our students.”

Generett earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Spelman College and a doctorate in social foundations of education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.