Dr. Daren A. Ellerbee is a dedicated bridge builder with a diverse career spanning non-profit, government, and higher education sectors.
In her current role as the inaugural director of the University of Pittsburgh's (Pitt) University Educational Outreach Center (EOC), Dr. Ellerbee leads initiatives within the Office of the Provost to create equitable pathways to college for underserved and historically underrepresented students, particularly Black and Brown youth. Prior to this, she served as the founding director of the Pitt Community Engagement Center (CEC) in Homewood, the institution's first place-based CEC. In this capacity, she played a pivotal role in designing and leading Pitt's hyperlocal, place-based engagements in the East End. Dr. Ellerbee's commitment to fostering thriving communities extends both professionally and through her volunteer efforts.
Currently, Dr. Ellerbee serves on The Advisory Commission for African American Affairs for Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, where she champions educational excellence for Black communities throughout Allegheny County and the Commonwealth. Additionally, she holds positions on the Board of Directors for The Empowerment, Assistance and Training (EAT) Initiative, PublicSource, the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) Institute Higher Education Subcommittee, and the Association for Resilient Campus Design and Innovation. She is also a founding member and former president of Robert Morris University's Black Alumni Council.
Dr. Ellerbee's outstanding contributions have garnered recognition, with Pittsburgh Magazine and PUMP honoring her as one of their 40 Under 40 in 2018. She received the New Pittsburgh Courier's FAB 40 Award in 2013 and the Mayor of Pittsburgh's Citizen Service Award, which led to May 18, 2012, being declared "Daren Ellerbee Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.
Dr. Ellerbee holds a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Pittsburgh in Urban Education, a Master of Science in Communications & Information Systems from Robert Morris University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Rhetoric and Africana Studies from the University of Pittsburgh. She is also a proud graduate of Leadership Pittsburgh's Leadership Development Initiative (LDI), class 28.
Daren A. Ellerbee
(she/her/hers)
Phone: 412-852-7551
Email: d.ellerbee@pitt.edu