Bio

Josh Centor brings over a decade of leadership experience to Carnegie Mellon University, where he currently serves as the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Director of Athletics. His extensive tenure at Carnegie Mellon has been marked by significant achievements in both athletics administration and community engagement. Entering his 12th year at the helm of the Carnegie Mellon Athletics Department, Josh oversees a broad portfolio that includes intercollegiate athletics, club sports, intramurals, physical education, and campus recreation. He was appointed Director of Athletics in April 2014, following prior roles as Interim Director, Associate Director (2012-2013), and Assistant Director (2008-2012).

In July 2017, Josh's role expanded as he was appointed Associate Vice President for Community Engagement. This position includes oversight of the Jared L. Cohon University Center and SLICE (Student Leadership, Involvement, and Civic Engagement), as well as involvement in Dining Services, Housing Services, and Conference and Event Services. Under his guidance, Carnegie Mellon Athletics has reached unprecedented success, including a historic 13th place finish in the 2023-24 Learfield Directors’ Cup standings. The university celebrated its second national championship in Spring 2024 when the women’s golf program clinched the NCAA title. This followed the men’s golf team securing the university’s first NCAA team championship in 2023, alongside the notable achievement of all six fall teams qualifying for their respective NCAA tournaments that year.

Josh has been instrumental in advancing facilities development at Carnegie Mellon, playing a key role in securing a $35 million grant from Highmark Inc. for the construction of a new 160,000-square-foot student health, wellness, and athletics center, which opened in Fall 2024. He has also overseen expansions such as the fitness center in the Tepper School of Business building (2018) and the Jared L. Cohon University Center (2016).

Josh holds a Ph.D. in higher education management from the University of Pittsburgh, focusing his research on strategic planning and resource allocation in elite private universities. He also earned a master’s degree in applied communication from Indiana University, Purdue University-Indianapolis, and a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Brandeis University, where he played varsity baseball and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. Additionally, he has served as an adjunct faculty member at Carnegie Mellon’s Heinz College, teaching a graduate course in higher education administration.

On a personal note, Josh and his wife Jaye-Lacey are proud parents of Gabriel, Lucas, and Layla. Jaye-Lacey serves as the Director of University Events at Carnegie Mellon.