Dianne F. Dakis has been part of the Asian Studies Center staff since 1989. In the mid-1970s, she was assistant director for the University's special events office for five and a half years. Dianne received her undergraduate degree in French language and literature from Nazareth College in Louisville, Kentucky, a master's degree in dramatic theory from St. Louis University, and earned 30 hours toward a PhD degree in dramatic theory from the University of Oregon. She taught speech and theater classes for two years at the College of St. Theresa in Winona, Minnesota. Dianne served as registrar for the spring 1994 and summer 2004 voyages of the Semester at Sea program, overseeing registration, grades, and certification for more than 500 students.

As assistant director for student affairs in the Asian Studies Center, Dianne is responsible for the recruitment, retention, and advising of the more than 300 certificate students whose academic interests focus on Asian countries. She also oversees arrangements for ASC special events, and is involved in producing the monthly newsletter and other ASC publications. Finally, as administrator for Pitt's interdisciplinary MA in East Asian Studies (IDMA), Dianne provides counsel to graduate students on topics ranging from class selection to graduation requirements, housing and navigating the bureaucratic system, and understanding what the faculty's interests are on various subjects.

Dianne has an open-door policy and welcomes visitors at any time, unless she is on the phone or has other visitors in the office.