For the first time since its founding in 1787, a woman will lead the University of Pittsburgh’s five campuses.

Joan T.A. Gabel was named the University of Pittsburgh’s 19th chancellor, trustees said Monday, April 3.

Gabel will begin her job July 1. She formerly was president and chief executive of the University of Minnesota System and Twin Cities campus.

Gabel’s predecessor, Patrick Gallagher, announced last spring that he planned to leave this summer after nine years as chancellor.

“I am excited and filled with optimism when I think of leading this institution into its important next chapter — to taking leaps when needed, and incremental steps as necessary, to ensure that every step we take, however large or small, moves us forward,” Gabel said.

Gabel also served as executive vice president for academic affairs and provost at the University of South Carolina from 2015 to 2019, and she was dean of the Robert J. Trulaske Sr. College of Business at the University of Missouri from 2010 to 2015.