University of Pittsburgh trustees chair abruptly resigns

Douglas Browning has resigned as chairman of the University of Pittsburgh Board of Trustees due to “an unanticipated personal matter,” officials confirmed on Tuesday.

He notified the university Monday evening. By Tuesday morning, his bio had been removed from the university website.

The site now lists Louis R. Cestello, vice chair, and Chancellor Joan T.A. Gabel as Board of Trustees officers.

Browning has been chair since 2022. On June 23, he was re-elected to another one-year term. He is a Pitt alumnus, with a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1972, according to university officials and his LinkedIn page.

He is a principal of the independent consulting company DM Browning & Associates LLC, according to the university.

After a board vote in June re-electing him as leader, Browning thanked trustees “for the honor of serving as your chair” but also alluded to difficulty in his first term.

“The first year’s been a little bumpy, and I appreciate your patience and understanding as I’ve sort of learned and appreciated the goals and responsibilities of the position,” he said.

“I look forward to support and guidance going forward … and hopefully we can smooth out some of those rough spots.”

He did not elaborate.

“Douglas Browning has stepped down from his role as chair of the University of Pittsburgh Board of Trustees and from his board seat due to an unanticipated personal matter,” Pitt said in a statement released by spokesman Jared Stonesifer. “The University made tremendous strides during his ten years on the Board, and the Pitt community is abundantly grateful for his service.”

Of the departure, Pitt Chancellor Joan Gabel said:

“My sincere thanks to Chair Browning for his leadership and over a decade of service to the University of Pittsburgh and the Board of Trustees. As a Pitt family, we stand in appreciation for his unyielding commitment to serving others and his undeniable passion for this institution as an alumnus and Pitt parent, which has made the University stronger and better in every way.” 

Pitt trustees were to hold a conference call to discuss the situation Tuesday afternoon. No action was expected.

Browning holds a law degree from Hofstra University, according to Pitt officials. He has been a board member for a decade.

His board service has included membership on its committees on Academic Affairs/Libraries; Governance and Nominating; Athletics; Affirmative Action, Diversity, and Inclusion; and Institutional Advancement, according to the Pitt-published University Times.

The resignation comes amid a leadership transition at Pitt. On July 17, Gabel became the university’s 19th chancellor, succeeding Patrick Gallagher.

Pitt has 34,000 students on its main Oakland campus and branches at Greensburg in Hempfield Township, Bradford, Johnston and Titusville.