Office of the President

UPJ President Delivers Keynote Address to New American Citizens on Constitution Day

Dr. Jem Spectar is the President of the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown, a position he has held since 2007. Since then, the Campus launched new nursing, business, and engineering schools, expanded competitive degree programs, built several major facilities, ramped up community engagement, and quadrupled the endowment. These transformative developments have elevated the institution's stature, profile, and impact.

Previously, Dr. Spectar was Provost & 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, Associate Professor of Law & Assistant Dean at the University of La Verne.

Jem Spectar is the author of two recently published books:  Movement + Music = Medicine:  Fight Alzheimer's, Dementia, and Parkinson's, and Open Secret Rx – Tune into Lifestyle MEDicine & Fight Heart Disease, Diabetes & Cancer. Dr. Spectar’s articles on contemporary issues have been published in leading journals, including The Washington Post, the Times Higher Education, and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Spectar holds a Ph.D. and M.A., Claremont Graduate University; J.D., University of Maryland; M.A., George Washington University; M.B.A., Frostburg State University; and B.A., University of La Verne, CA.

Read Dr. Jem Spectar's full welcome message »

Community Initiatives

• CODE for Commonwealth and Country
• Distinctive Excellence @ Pitt-Johnstown
• Embrace and Enjoy Your World
• Pitt-Johnstown Magazine
• The Heroes Memorial
• MountainCat Veterans Program
• Equity and Community Engagement

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. 

• Jem Spectar | Pitt & Johnstown: Building our future, together

• Jem Spectar: Democracy needs civic engagement

• UPJ President Delivers Keynote Address to New American Citizens on Constitution Day

• Jem Spectar | Support Pitt and Keep Johnstown Strong

• Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Could an American Democracy Corps help save the Republic?

• Times Higher Education: Biden’s next big deal must include expanded broadband access

• Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Other Voices: Alzheimer's Emergency

• Yahoo! Finance: We’ve taken diligent efforts to protect our students’: University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown President

• Times Higher Education: Good moves: exercise can help tackle the mental health crisis

• NPR: Could Investment In Digital Infrastructure Help Close The Rural-Urban Divide?

• KDKA Sunday Business Page: Digital Infrastructure Closing the Rural-Urban Divide

• The Washington Post: Want to close America’s rural-urban divide? Digital infrastructure is the key

• Tribune-Democrat: Higher-ed sector matches job trends and serves as 'catalyst'

• Tribune-Democrat: In defense of Johnstown and a rebuttal of the Politico article

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

Photo Gallery

January 24, 2022
President Spectar and Pitt-Johnstown Cheerleaders

City of Johnstown Community Service Project 2022

President Jem Spectar and Seth Depenhart
August 27, 2022

SPARKS Mentoring Exhibition and Dinner
October 2021
Seated: President Spectar, Christine Holley
Standing: Patrick McAndrew, Christian Thornton, Dr. Tuangtip Klinbubpa-Neff, Dr. Ola Johansson,  and Dr. Manisha Nigam