DR. NANCY PINARDI: NEW VP FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS

Posted on August 13, 2012

Acting University President Geraldine M. Jones has named Dr. Nancy Pinardi as interim vice president for Student Affairs.

“I have the utmost confidence that Dr. Pinardi will lead the Student Affairs area in a responsible, strategic and efficient manner,” Jones said.

“More importantly, I know that she possesses the same care and concern for our students as her predecessor, Dr. Lenora Angelone, and she realizes there is no more important responsibility than the safety and security of our students. I look forward to working with her in the coming months.”

Up through the ranks

Pinardi has been a Cal U employee since 1988, when she was hired as a part-time administrative assistant for a grant-funded anti-drug and alcohol program.

She held a variety of positions — coordinating special events such as Homecoming and Family Day, and organizing the Women’s Center, for example — before being named dean of students in 1998. Most recently, she served as associate vice president for Student Affairs and the University’s liaison to the Student Association Inc.

“Dr. Angelone was actually an inspiration to me, seeing that she could work and go to school and be successful,” said Pinardi, who earned an associate degree in business management, a bachelor’s in administration and management, and a master’s in business administration, all at Cal U.

In 2006 she completed work on her doctorate in administration and leadership at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

“I believe my experience across the board assists me in understanding the needs of our students,” she said. “As a three-time graduate of Cal U, I am committed to the success of our students and the University.

“College is a time for students to learn and grow, and it is exciting for me to continue to assist and support them as they achieve their academic and personal goals.”  

Similar paths

Pinardi’s rise through the University ranks follows a path blazed by Angelone, who retired earlier this summer after 40 years at Cal U.

Angelone joined the University staff as a clerk-typist, and held numerous positions in Student Affairs and the Office of Social Equity before eventually becoming vice president of Student Affairs and the senior administrator in the President’s Cabinet.

Along the way she earned an associate degree in administration and science, a bachelor’s degree in business administration, and a master’s degree in community and agency counseling, all at Cal U. She earned her Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision at Duquesne University.

Angelone said she has seen remarkable changes at Cal U over the past four decades.

“Some might say it’s in the physical plant, but for me, the biggest change has been in the people. They take such pride in working at this institution now. It’s become this diamond down here in the (Mon) Valley.

“There are many more women in leadership now, too, and with that you see changes. I’ve heard many of our students say that the people at Cal U make them feel special. I will always be proud to call myself a three-time alumna and emeritus staff member of California University.”

Legacy continues

Angelone’s legacy of providing caring, personal service for students will continue, Pinardi said.

“The goals of Student Affairs remain unchanged. Our central focus is the personalization of the University experience, with concern for the intellectual, personal, social, emotional and physical development of each of our students,” she explained.

“Each department in Student Affairs strives to assist students in making responsible decisions by providing a learning environment that will not only help them better understand their abilities and needs, but also will help them learn about the vast array of opportunities available.

“I look forward to moving into this new position.”