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.