William A. Shields Named President of University of Pittsburgh at Titusville

PITTSBURGH—William A. Shields, who has nearly three decades of experience heading institutions of higher education, has been named president of the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville, effective Aug. 1, 2005.

Shields, a Pitt alumnus who currently serves as interim president of the University of Maine (UM) at Presque Isle, helped coordinate the establishment of a consortial structure among the UM campuses at Presque Isle, Fort Kent, and Machais as part of the University of Maine System Strategic Plan. He also oversaw the construction of a $9 million health and recreation facility. He serves as senior consultant to the Mission and Identity Project of the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges.

From 2002 to 2003, Shields was the interim president of Pitt's Bradford campus, where he oversaw completion of several campus construction projects and led a $16 million capital campaign. Prior to that, he served from 1992 to 2002 as president of Rockford College in Rockford, Ill., where he built important relationships with internal and external communities and completed the largest capital campaign in the college's history. From 1977 to 1992, he served as president of the College of Great Falls in Great Falls, Mont.

"I have great confidence that Dr. Shields will provide thoughtful, academic leadership to the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville, bringing to bear his experience, wisdom, and integrity in developing the Titusville campus' strengths and priorities," said Pitt Provost James V. Maher.

"During Mike Worman's tenure as its president, our Titusville campus has grown in size, quality, and stature. We owe him a deep debt of gratitude for his committed and capable leadership," said Pitt Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg. "I share the provost's confidence that Bill Shields will build effectively on the foundation now in place and that we will see further progress at Pitt-Titusville in the years ahead."

Prior to his administrative career, Shields was on the sociology faculty at the College of Great Falls and Idaho State University. His publications range from a sociological perspective on drug abuse to research on the changing role of the academic vice president.

Shields has been a strong community leader throughout his career. He received the Outstanding Community Service Award while president of the College of Great Falls. At Rockford, he received the 2002 Distinguished Service Award and served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Rockford Health Council, chair of the Greater Rockford Council of 100, and vice chair of the Federation of Illinois Independent Colleges and Universities.

Shields earned the Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology at Carroll College, and the Master of Arts and Ph.D. degrees in sociology in 1967 and 1972, respectively, at Pitt.

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