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 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, Associate Professor of Law and Assistant Dean at the University of La Verne.
Dr. Spectar has emerged as a leading voice and thought leader on the issue of preserving American democracy. Under President Spectar's leadership, UPJ developed a unique American Democracy Scholar Certificate and is partnering with K-12 schools through the American Civic Education (ACE) Initiative. He has also written several op-ed pieces and given media interviews about the urgency of working together to sustain democracy for posterity, including articles such as "Could an American Democracy Corps Help Save the Republic?" and "Democracy Needs Civic Engagement" (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette). Other op-eds include The Washington Post: Want to close America's rural-urban divide? : Jem Spectar | Pitt & Johnstown: Building our future, together | News | tribdem.com. Dr. Spectar recently delivered the keynote address on Constitution Day at the National Constitution Center (Constitution Day 2022 | Naturalization Ceremony - YouTube).
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.
A naturalized U.S. citizen born in Africa, he has received several notable commendations, including being listed among "influential Americans of recent African immigrant heritage…" in a Congressional Resolution, etc.
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
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UPJ President Delivers Keynote Address to New American Citizens on Constitution Day
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Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Could an American Democracy Corps help save the Republic?
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Times Higher Education: Biden’s next big deal must include expanded broadband access
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Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Other Voices: Alzheimer's Emergency
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Times Higher Education: Good moves: exercise can help tackle the mental health crisis
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NPR: Could Investment In Digital Infrastructure Help Close The Rural-Urban Divide?
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KDKA Sunday Business Page: Digital Infrastructure Closing the Rural-Urban Divide
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The Washington Post: Want to close America’s rural-urban divide? Digital infrastructure is the key
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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
Photo Gallery
2023
President Spectar welcomed the Honorable John Joyce, Congressman, 13th District of Pennsylvania
Dr. Spectar with Student Leaders Abigail Barry and Julian Faulk
Dr. Spectar with Student Leaders Thomas Deasy, Maura Shields, and Kourtnee Duval