Dr. Sarah J. Ewing Named Next Duquesne Provost

Dausey personally led a national search process that identified Ewing from a highly competitive pool of more than 80 applicants. 

"Throughout an extensive national search, Dr. Ewing distinguished herself through a rare combination of academic leadership, commitment to student success, and a deep alignment with Duquesne’s distinct Catholic and Spiritan identity,” Dausey said. “She understands the central role the provost plays in leading the academic enterprise and supporting our world-class faculty, and I look forward to partnering with her to advance our mission and bring forward a bold new chapter in Duquesne’s nearly 150-year history. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Duquesne community.”

A seasoned leader and decorated scholar, Ewing joined Gannon in 2009 as director of their pre-health professional programs and assistant professor of biology. After serving as chair of the biology department from 2013 to 2016, Ewing’s next promotion was to serve as dean of Gannon’s Morosky College of Health Professions and Sciences from 2017 to 2023. She was named provost at Gannon in 2023. 

At Gannon, Ewing oversees academic affairs, student experience, athletics, and mission- and justice-centered initiatives across the university’s two campus locations and leads a workforce of more than 420 faculty and staff. Her leadership and oversight helped drive the strongest gains in student retention in a decade at Gannon. In addition, Ewing was charged with expanding Gannon’s Ruskin, Fla., campus, and effected a 200% enrollment increase there over five years. 

“Sarah Ewing is an excellent choice for this position and I’m confident she will be a key part of the success of David Dausey’s time as Duquesne’s next president,” said Duquesne University President Ken Gormley, who will move into the role of chancellor on July 1, 2026. “David has set a high bar by strengthening our academic programs and showing unwavering dedication to the work our students and faculty do together, thereby elevating the entire university. Dr. Ewing’s accomplishments and enthusiasm for Duquesne’s mission suggest she will be a very strong complement to his leadership.” 

“I am honored by this appointment and very excited to join Duquesne and to work with President Dausey at such an exciting time,” Ewing said. “The research activity of Duquesne’s faculty is extremely impressive, made more so by the enthusiasm they also show for service and their work with students at every level. My own interests in student success, community involvement, and research impact match well with the opportunities ahead of us all.” 

Ewing was a key leader in advancing Project NePTWNE (Nano and Polymer Technology for Water and Neural networks in Erie), a Gannon University water sustainability initiative focused on improving Lake Erie’s water quality, combatting climate change, and promoting economic development in the Erie, Pa., region. Several Gannon academic and research units are integrated with community education and technological innovation to address microplastics and ecological health. Ewing has also held board roles with Erie-region organizations including Our West Bayfront, UPMC Hamot, the Hamot Health Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and the Northwest Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center.  

Prior to Gannon, Ewing was a lecturer in biology at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, where she earned a bachelor of science degree in biology. She earned a PhD in comparative biological sciences in cell biology from North Carolina State University as an NSF GAANN Fellow in Biotechnology.

Ewing’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Duquesne. In fall 2026, Duquesne will welcome what is expected to be one of its largest incoming classes in a decade. The University will undergo its decennial accreditation in 2027 and celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2028. And in 2028, the Nasuti College of Osteopathic Medicine will graduate its inaugural class. In all parts of the academic enterprise, a deep focus on emerging pathways in educational practice, technological innovation, and service to the community will define Ewing’s focus as provost.

Duquesne University

Founded in 1878, Duquesne is consistently ranked among the nation's top Catholic universities for its award-winning faculty and horizon-expanding education. A campus of more than 8,200 graduate and undergraduate students, Duquesne prepares students by having them work alongside faculty to discover and reach their goals. The University's academic programs, community service and commitment to equity and opportunity in the Pittsburgh region have earned national acclaim.

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