Dr. Pinto leaving UofL for Cincinnati

Neville G. Pinto, who has served as UofL’s acting president since July, announced over the weekend that he has been named the 30th president of the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Pinto will transition into his new position in February 2017.

The University of Cincinnati has an enrollment of more than 44,300 students and more than $390 million in research funding annually.

“This is a unique opportunity to return to the university at which I have spent much of my career, but of course it is with some sadness that I will be leaving the University of Louisville,” Pinto said in a statement.

Prior to joining UofL, Pinto worked in various roles at the University of Cincinnati from 1985 to 2011. He began as professor of Chemical Engineering and was named head of that department in 1993. In 2002, Pinto was named assistant dean for Graduate Studies in UC’s College of Engineering before serving as vice provost and dean of the graduate school from 2006-2011.

Pinto joined UofL in 2011 as dean of the J.B. Speed School of Engineering. As dean, he expanded enrollment, initiated the development of a 39-acre research park near the engineering campus and led efforts to encourage GE to bring its FirstBuild microfactory to the UofL campus.

Pinto then served as UofL’s interim EVP and Provost from 2015 until summer 2016.

“My family and I have grown to love this community. As dean of the J.B. Speed School of Engineering, I worked with tremendous faculty and staff, and together we laid the groundwork for an exciting future. As acting provost and then acting president, I have gained a great appreciation for my faculty and staff colleagues throughout the university. I am constantly impressed with the quality of our outstanding students,” Pinto said. “Together, we faced a number of challenges in recent months, but I am confident that the worst is behind us and a bright future lies ahead for the University of Louisville.”

Pinto is currently working with Larry Benz, chairman of the University of Louisville Board of Trustees, to come up with a transition plan after Pinto’s mid-February departure. In a statement, Benz said he will also consult with faculty, staff and student representatives.

A Board of Trustees meeting will be scheduled “in the near future” to plan for this change in leadership. Benz noted that the board will keep the university community posted on its progress.

“I want to thank Neville for his service as acting president during these past few months. His steady leadership and willingness to work closely with both the Board of Trustees and the UofL Foundation Board has helped steer the university through tough times toward a bright future,” Benz said. … “We wish the best to him and his family. Meanwhile, I am confident that through the outstanding ongoing work of our faculty, staff and students and the support of our friends and the community, the University of Louisville will continue its course as a premier university.”