State of the University 2023

Though the event was livestreamed for those who couldn’t attend in person, the Rangos Ballroom filled with colleagues from across the Pittsburgh campus who gathered to hear Carnegie Mellon University President Farnam Janahian deliver the 2023 State of the University address to faculty and staff. Jahanian was introduced by Laurie Weingart, a senior faculty member in the Tepper School of Business and the vice chair of the Faculty Senate.

Over the course of his address, the president illustrated how CMU is transforming society through innovation, education and research. He provided updates on the university’s enrollment, admissions, finances and what he called “our incredible people.” Highlights included the growing demand for a CMU education, new talent in senior leadership and success in faculty and staff recruitment. He also provided details about how the university’s HR team has advanced support for staff and faculty in recent years.

Jahanian shared positive news about the university’s continued financial support of its central mission and strategic priorities including student health and wellness, financial aid, and improved learning spaces. He also articulated the impact and overall strength of the university’s research enterprise.

Looking forward, the president identified four strategic priorities for university leadership, focused on elevating Carnegie Mellon’s role in:

• Driving the future of education.
• Enhancing the CMU experience for all.
• Leading at the nexus of science, technology and society.
• Broadening our societal, cultural and economic impact.

Jahanian emphasized that leveraging CMU resources is necessary to achieve these strategic priorities. Funds raised through Make Possible: The Campaign for Carnegie Mellon University, the university’s most ambitious fundraising campaign in its history, will help support the education and research mission of the university for decades to come. Since 2019, when the campaign was publicly launched, supporters have made critical investments that have benefitted every college, school and part of the university.

Attendees could ask questions in advance or electronically during the event; after the address, President Jahanian spoke to many of them. The president ended with a focus on gratitude: “Our faculty and staff are at the heart of our growing leadership … thank you for the passion you bring to your work every day and for your dedication to this institution.”