Klaus Libertus is the inaugural director of Pitt’s College of General Studies

After a thorough application and interview process, Teaching Associate Professor Klaus Libertus has been selected to serve as the University of Pittsburgh’s inaugural director for the College of General Studies and assistant dean for online education. His first day in the position will be Aug. 15.

In the new role, Libertus will focus on expanding access to a Pitt education for adult and non-traditional students and accelerating the development of fully online academic programs. Working closely with the College of General Studies Online team, the Dean’s Office and the college’s academic units, he will increase the availability of online courses that fulfill general education requirements, develop online versions of academic programs in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences and ensure a high-quality experience for instructors and students.

“At a time when the demand for online education options is increasing, I’m excited to have Klaus leading our efforts to best meet this moment. His experience in online education development, curriculum design and faculty collaboration will be key assets in this role,” said Adam Leibovich, Bettye J. and Ralph E. Bailey Dean of the Dietrich School and the College of General Studies.

Libertus is currently a teaching associate professor in the Dietrich School’s Department of Psychology and the founder of Pitt’s Online BabyLab, where he conducts remote research with families and their children. After earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Osnabrueck in Germany and a PhD in developmental psychology from Duke University, Libertus worked for three years at the Kennedy Krieger Institute’s Center for Autism Services, Science and Innovation. His work has been supported by the Autism Science Foundation, and he is the recipient of the Silfka/Ritvo Innovation in Autism Research Award.