Gauri A. Pitale
Values-Driven Higher Education Executive | Institutional Culture Strategist | Advancing Justice, Belonging & Global Citizenship
- Role
- Board Member at The Third Place Qc
- Location
- Rock Island, IL, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Gauri A. Pitale
As a values-driven leader in higher education, I bring a strategic lens to advancing equity, inclusion, and belonging across institutional systems. Currently serving as Vice President for Culture and Connection, I lead with curiosity, care, and a deep commitment to cultivating environments where all students, staff, and faculty can thrive.My work spans policy development, intercultural education, organizational change, and coalition-building. I specialize in translating mission and values into sustainable, measurable culture building strategy, grounded in institutional context, responsive to emerging challenges, and attentive to the lived experiences of all members of our community.With academic roots in medical anthropology, gender studies, and curriculum design, I approach leadership with a human-centered and data-informed perspective. I have developed and facilitated workshops and strategic initiatives on inclusive pedagogy, student belonging, first-generation success, international student engagement, and faith-based approaches to equity.Whether presenting at national conferences, guiding cross-campus collaborations, or mentoring future leaders, I lead with empathy, curiosity, and connection. My leadership strengths - Input | Learner | Individualization | Empathy | Connectedness - allow me to listen deeply, build authentic relationships, and create frameworks that help institutions turn intention into action.Strengths: Input | Learner | Individualization | Empathy | Connectedness
Experience
Board Member
Jul 2025 — Present · Rock Island, IL, US
Education
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
Master of Arts - MA, Anthropology
2008 — 2009
St. Xavier's College
Bachelor of Arts - BA, Ancient Indian Culture
2001 — 2004
Deccan College Postgraduate and Research Institute
Master of Arts - MA, Ancient Indian Culture, History, and Archaeology
2004 — 2006
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Anthropology
2010 — 2017
Find verified contacts for anyone on LinkedIn
Unifers gives sales teams verified emails and direct dials, enriched profiles, and outreach that lands in the inbox.
Free plan included · No credit card required
This profile is compiled from publicly available professional sources. Unifers is not affiliated with or endorsed by LinkedIn. Request removal of this profile.