Remembering Judith A. Pitney

Judith A. Pitney, an executive director of resource planning and management at Michigan Engineering from 1992 to 2006, passed away on January 10, 2025 in Ann Arbor, Mich. at age 79.

Pitney led transformative changes that reshaped the College’s operational landscape. When she retired from Michigan Engineering in 2006, the College established and endowed the Judith A. Pitney Staff Service Career Award to honor her dedication, vision and commitment to excellence. The award recognizes staff with at least 10 years of service at the College who have made significant, measurable and attributable long-term contributions to the mission and goals of Michigan Engineering.

“Judith made the College strong to survive the next 50 years and beyond,” said Tina Truskowski, human resources director. “She and Dean Stephen Director forever shaped the future of engineering education at the University of Michigan by laying the groundwork for growth and paving the way for a more dynamic and responsive educational environment.”

“She and Dean Stephen Director forever shaped the future of engineering education at the University of Michigan by laying the groundwork for growth and paving the way for a more dynamic and responsive educational environment.”
Tina Truskowski, human resources director.

When Pitney joined Michigan Engineering, its financial and administrative sectors were struggling to meet the increasing demands of a growing institution. Pitney modernized the operations of the entire College and steered it towards a path of sustainable growth and success. The organizational structures she established continue to this day.

A valued collaborator, Pitney was also selected by then-provost Gil Whitaker for a team tasked with overhauling the University’s outdated budget system. The team developed a new budget model that allowed for more efficient use of financial resources and profoundly impacted the University.

Pitney’s role extended beyond financial management; along with Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering Stephen W. Director, she was instrumental in realizing several key infrastructure projects, including the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Tower, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building, Bob and Betty Beyster Building, Carl A. Gerstacker Building, Class of ‘47E Reflecting Pool, François-Xavier Bagnoud Building, and Robert H. Lurie Engineering Center. These projects not only expanded the College’s physical footprint but also enhanced its research and education capabilities.

According to Truskowski, who joined Michigan Engineering in 1997 as a human resources manager, Pitney also identified and nurtured potential in her staff, committing to their development and fostering a culture of empowerment and accountability.

“She was tough but fair,” Truskowski remembered. “If you were always honest with her—even if the answer was ‘I don’t know’—she would invest in you.”