2 new vice presidents joined Pitt-Bradford’s leadership team

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford has named two new leaders to its senior leadership team: Jessica Kubiak (pictured, left) as vice president and dean of academic affairs for Pitt-Bradford and Pitt-Titusville and Andrew Peterson (right) as vice president and dean of student affairs.

“I am delighted to welcome Dr. Kubiak and Dr. Peterson to Pitt-Bradford,” said President Richard Esch. “Both bring exceptional experience and a genuine commitment to student success, and I am confident they will make an immediate and lasting impact on our students, faculty, staff and the broader community we serve.”

Kubiak (UPB ’06) She knows the University well, having worked at Pitt-Bradford previously as a staff member and adjunct instructor. She comes to this new role from the State University of New York Jamestown Community College, where she has served as vice president of academic affairs and workforce development since May 2024. There, she led four academic divisions across multiple campuses, serving more than 2,000 students, along with online learning, libraries and workforce development programs.

Kubiak holds a PhD in English from Old Dominion University and a master’s degree in adult education from SUNY Buffalo State. She graduated summa cum laude from Pitt-Bradford with a bachelor’s degree in English. Her research focuses on writing feedback and adult learners, and she is currently completing a book manuscript under contract with Bloomsbury Academic. She has won two major teaching awards: the Conference on College Composition and Communication Outstanding Teaching Award in 2021 and the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2020.

Peterson joins Pitt-Bradford from Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina, where he has served as vice president of student affairs and dean of students since 2022. There, he led a division of 20 professional staff and 65 student staff members. He managed a budget of more than $4.5 million across areas such as residence life, student conduct, campus safety, Greek life, orientation, dining and student involvement. He also supported the counseling, health and wellness, and spiritual life and service offices.

Peterson earned his doctorate in leadership for organizations from the University of Dayton and his master’s degree in higher education and student affairs from The Ohio State University. He also has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Allegheny College.

Peterson is active in his field. He has served on the Executive Board of the Association of College and University Housing Officers–International as the Small Colleges and Universities Director. He has also spoken at regional and national conferences on topics such as student leadership and crisis preparedness. He is committed to helping students feel a sense of belonging, especially first-generation college students.

Photography by Andrew Truman