Courtesy of Yale News
Ezra Stiles Head of College Stephen Pitti ’91 will step down from his post this June after over 11 years on the job.
Pitti announced his decision in an email addressed to the Ezra Stiles community on Thursday afternoon. He wrote that he and Associate Head of College Alicia Camacho do not expect “to go too far” and will continue teaching, conducting research and fulfilling other administrative duties at Yale.
In an email to the News, Pitti said that changes in leadership like his departure keep organizations responsive and creative.
“We have a great staff, [and] the college is moving in terrific directions,” he said. “It’s time for a new Head of College to help shape the culture of this great place.”
Camacho did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday.
According to a joint email from University President Peter Salovey and Yale College Dean Marvin Chun, the search for Pitti’s replacement will begin soon. They will assemble a committee of Ezra Stiles fellows and students to identify ideal candidates for the job.
Traditionally, the Head of College does not participate in the selection process for his or her replacement.
“His involvement [as Head of College] has been remarkable, and we know that Stiles is a place that Professor Pitti cares about passionately,” they wrote.
Pitti’s email described his time as an undergraduate in Ezra Stiles. He wrote that he remembers writing his senior essay in Stiles library and serving food, washing dishes and mopping the floor in the Stiles dining hall. Pitti wrote that leading the college he resided in during his college years has been “an incredible privilege” and that he looks forward to the coming events, conversations and spontaneous happenings left in his term this academic year.
Ezra Stiles student Jacob Abdallah ’21 said that Pitti’s presence as head of college will be missed.
“He’s an incredible person, and played an important role in making me feel welcomed and accepted in Stiles,” he said. “I wish him the best in anything and everything he does.”
Pitti first came to the University roughly 20 years ago, according to his LinkedIn page. Since then, he has taught classes in Latino Studies, Ethnic Studies, California History and Mexican Immigration, among others.
Ezra Stiles Dean Nilakshi Parndigamage wrote in an email to the News that Pitti has been instrumental in the residential college’s success.
“During my tenure as the Dean of Ezra Stiles, I have worked very closely with Head Pitti and have come to rely on his wisdom, good judgement, and kind heart,” she wrote. “I could not have asked for a better colleague.”
Students first moved into Ezra Stiles College in 1962.
Matt Kristoffersen | matthew.kristoffersen@yale.edu