Bill Generett’s role expanded at Duquesne University

Now serves as SVP of Civic Engagement and External Relations

The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that Bill Generett, a member of the Courier’s “Men of Excellence” Class of 2009, had his role expanded at Duquesne University. Generett, the university’s first vice president for community engagement (in 2017), is now Senior Vice President of Civic Engagement and External Relations for Duquesne. The university also announced that Dave Harper was elevated to vice president of athletics.

“Bill Generett and Dave Harper have brought extensive strategic expertise and experience to the University Cabinet,” said Ken Gormley, Duquesne’s president, in a statement. “Their continued diligent efforts and commitment to Duquesne University, our mission, students and employees—especially during this unprecedented year—have significantly contributed to our leadership team’s success. They are important components to the leadership team, and I’m proud to recognize these contributions through their well-deserved promotions.”

Generett led the development of the inaugural Office of Community Engagement, which has now expanded into the new Office of Civic Engagement and External Relations (OCER). Under Generett’s direction, the office includes the community engagement, government affairs, and corporate and foundation relations areas, according to a Duquesne release. The community engagement area encompasses the Center for Engaged Teaching and Research as well as student volunteerism, a longtime tradition at Duquesne.

In his expanded role, Generett will provide leadership and support of Duquesne’s mission of service and commitment to the City of Pittsburgh, Western Pennsylvania and the country.

“In our coordinated and more visible efforts, we’ve been able to educate the public and help them understand the breadth and scope of the university’s community-engagement work,” said Generett, in a statement. “This has led to helping the university secure significant funding and support for important projects such as community-based screenings of local children for uncontrolled asthma to development of the new Center for Integrative Health.”

During his time at Duquesne, Generett has helped the university strengthen its relationships with local, state and federal elected officials, which has resulted in roughly $4 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program Grants for the UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse and the proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine. Generett also worked with the Office of Research in securing a $500,000 grant for the historic renovation of the August Wilson House, in the Hill District.

Generett, who co-chairs Duquesne’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Action Planning Team, has been a leading advisor for Gormley and the university’s leadership team in their work to further define and advance diversity, equity and inclusion goals. During the past year, Duquesne launched a new Bias Education Response Team, and is expanding the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

Generett is a 1989 graduate of Shady Side Academy (high school), and earned his bachelor’s from Morehouse College, an HBCU in Atlanta. He received his juris doctorate from Emory University’s School of Law in 1996. Generett serves on multiple boards in Pittsburgh, including The Pittsburgh Foundation, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and is a member of The Heinz Endowments’ African American Male Advisory Committee.

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