Office of the President

On the verge of UPJ:100: A Message from the President
Dr. Jem Spectar

Jem Spectar is the President of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown (UPJ), a position he has held since 2007. Previously, Spectar was Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor at Western Oregon University; Associate Provost and Professor at the University of Scranton; Director of Studies and Lecturer at Princeton University; and Assistant Dean and Associate Professor at the University of La Verne.

During Dr. Spectar’s presidency, UPJ has experienced several transformative developments that have elevated the institution's stature, impact, and profile in the rankings, including new competitive programs in business, engineering, and nursing; increased community engagement; and a fivefold increase in endowment. The physical infrastructure of the campus has also been extensively transformed by the construction and renovation of several major buildings, including the most recent addition of the 200,000 sq. ft. John R. Musulin University Center and 74 acres.

A thought leader focused on sustaining democracy through increased civic engagement, President Spectar is often an invited speaker at various forums, such as the National Constitution Center (Constitution Day 2022 | Naturalization Ceremony - YouTube). Dr. Spectar also writes op ed articles about pressing issues of our time, including "Could an American Democracy Corps help save the Republic?" (Saving the Democracy.pdf) and "Democracy Needs Civic Engagement"; The Washington Post: Want to close America's rural-urban divide? and Pitt & Johnstown: Building our future, together | News | tribdem.com; and “ In Defense of Johnstowns” (In Defense of Johnstown (tribune democrat).pdf. Furthermore, under Spectar's leadership, UPJ developed a unique American Democracy Scholar Certificate and is also partnering with regional K-12 schools in the American Civic Education Initiative and the popular Democracy Bowl competition.

In addition to scholarly publications and op-eds in various journals, Spectar is also the author of several books, including Movement + Music = Medicine and the forthcoming The Mind, the Medicineman, and the Dancer. He is also an avid gardener and has curated an extensive collection of world dance art.

The first African immigrant to be named a university president in the United States, Jem Spectar has received several notable recognitions, including being listed among the most “influential Americans of recent African immigrant heritage.”

Jem Spectar's academic background includes a Ph.D. and M.A. from Claremont Graduate University, a J.D. from the University of Maryland, an M.A. from George Washington University, an M.B.A. from Frostburg State, and a B.A. from the University of La Verne, CA.

Media

Dr. Spectar’s article published in the Washington Post has led to several discussions with policymakers and media regarding rural access to broadband. He is the author of two books Movement + Music = Medicine: Fight Alzheimer's, Dementia & Parkinson's, and Open Secret Rx – Tune into Lifestyle MEDicine & Fight Heart Disease, Diabetes & Cancer.

President’s Distinguished Speakers Series

2025 Stephanie Ramos

2024 Admiral Michelle Howard

2023 Rimmo Jolly ‘92

2019 David Epstein

2018 Beatrice Fihn

2017 Richard Bross ‘73

2016 Monty Hoffman ‘83

2015 Wes Moore

2014 Jeffrey Tambor

2013 Rosie Perez

2012 Heather Muir ‘06

2011 Liz Murray

2010 Captain Scott O’Grady

2009 Marci Shimoff

2008 Marty Radovanic

2007 Mark Nordenberg

Download the 2023 Strategic Plan

Preparing for a New UPJ Century by Investing in Our People, Our Programs, and Our Place to Better Serve Our Publics and Achieve Our Purposes

2024 Photo Gallery

Alumni Reunion - Mountain Cat Media, Music & More – May 30-31, 2025

President Jem Spectar with PKP Class of 2025: Brielle Ciarimboli, Daniel Conn, Chris Howard, Hannah Kim, Megan Ritson, Connor Schneck, Anastasia Smith, Laiken Swinger, Tessa Twyman