A Day for Jay Devine: CMU’s Humble Mentor Gets a Moment in the Spotlight

Jay Devine, associate dean for undergraduate studies in the Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, was unsure how to react when he learned that Nov. 3, 2025, had been officially designated as "Dr. Joseph E. Devine Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.

“I’m delighted, flattered and humbled,” Devine said. “It's overwhelming — and mystifying in a way. It’s hard to wrap my arms around because so much of what I am being recognized for has been done in partnership with so many others. It almost feels disingenuous to accept the recognition as if I did it all myself.”

The proclamation by Pittsburgh City Council recognizes Devine for playing “a pivotal role in the success of thousands of Carnegie Mellon University students, mentoring and guiding many through their college years and beyond” and for exemplifying “the quiet, often unrecognized champion whose tireless efforts enrich the lives of others and strengthen the community he serves.”

“Thousands? I didn’t know anyone was keeping count,” Devine said. “I know it’s been a lot.”

Devine was nominated by CMU alumna and former staff member Debra James Bailey, who first met him while working in the University Registrar’s Office. Bailey, who processed student leaves, withdrawals and returns, found Devine to be a powerful ally and advocate for students facing financial hardship.

“I called him the ‘savior’ of humanities and social sciences,” Bailey said. “Jay didn’t look at financial assets or race. He looked at what students could accomplish and add to society.”

Together, Bailey and Devine formed an effective team. She understood the intricacies of the administrative system and he had the ability to connect with high-level decision-makers.

“Carnegie Mellon is a caring place,” Devine said. “We’re fortunate to have people who can go beyond policies and regulations to make things happen instead of just saying, ‘Gee, that’s too bad,’ to students in need.”

Bailey recalled one student who came to her office distraught because he couldn’t afford the enrollment fee. Devine used his connections to set up a work-study job. That student went on to earn two degrees from CMU and build a career at a major consulting firm.

“I have countless stories like that about Jay from my 34 years working in the Registrar’s Office,” Bailey said.

Devine also supported Bailey, who earned a degree while working full-time at CMU, through one of the hardest chapters of her own life. After falling ill, she took a leave of absence from her studies at CMU and wasn’t sure she’d return. Then one day, the phone rang.

“It was Jay,” she said. “He was so kind to me and said, ‘Debra, I hope you are doing well, but it’s time to get back to class.’ I had given up on myself, but Jay picked my spirits up. When I graduated, he even sent me a singing telegram!”

That simple, direct nudge — “it’s time to get back to class” — is one Devine has used with others, too. He recalled a female student who left CMU for financial reasons and joined the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. Years later, Devine reached out with an email titled “Unfinished Business.” She returned and completed her degree.

“That kind of story makes this work so meaningful,” Devine said. “To the extent that you’ve had an impact of one kind or another that contributes in some small way to what students have done with their lives — that’s incredibly satisfying. But I always remind myself it’s not all my own doing.”

Devine arrived at CMU in the summer of 1977 as a doctoral student in history after spending three years as a history teacher at The American School in Switzerland. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the College of the Holy Cross and a master’s degree in teaching from Stanford University. 

A New Jersey native, Devine considered CMU for his master’s studies, but was lured away by the sunny West Coast. “I visited CMU in February of my senior year at Holy Cross,” Devine said. “I was impressed by the people I met here at CMU, but I wasn't impressed with the weather in Pittsburgh.”

In 1979, Devine became director of the college’s Academic Advisory Center, working with undeclared and first-year students. 

“It was an all-consuming role,” he said. “But it taught me the fundamentals — how to guide students, understand their needs and help them navigate obstacles.”

His responsibilities grew over time. He completed his Ph.D. in 1984, became assistant dean in 1986 and took on his current role in 2008. Devine led the successful effort to establish a Phi Beta Kappa chapter at CMU in 1995, and is director of Dietrich College’s Senior Honors Program and the Student-Defined Major Program. 

Devine also has served as CMU’s pre-law advisor for the past 24 years. “Students started coming to me for advice about law school,” Devine said. “I didn’t know that much about it then, except that my wife is an attorney, but I learned and I’ve been doing it ever since.”

Asked about his legacy, Devine is quick to deflect. 

“It’s been a real honor to be part of this university as it’s grown and changed,” he said. “If I’ve left any mark that contributed to that growth and maturity, that’s very satisfying.”

Even as he celebrates this recognition, his focus remains on students.

“I often think about the individual students from over the years — some occasionally, some frequently and some right now,” Devine said, gesturing at a law school letter of recommendation he’s writing for a former student. “They are the reason I look forward to coming to work every day.”