The following message was sent by President Ron Daniels and Provost Ray Jayawardhana:
Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students:
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Fred Bronstein to a third term as dean of the Peabody Institute through June 30, 2029.
Fred’s leadership has proved to be transformational for the Peabody Institute, and he has developed a clear roadmap for Peabody’s impact on shaping a more dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable future for the performing arts in Baltimore and beyond. He has tackled major strategic initiatives with ambition and effectiveness, and, amid a rapidly changing landscape for education and the performing arts, he has overseen the evolution of Peabody’s offerings and operations to maintain excellence and relevance. Under his continued guidance, the Peabody Institute will further enhance its stature and impact on the global stage.
During Fred’s tenure, Peabody’s degree offerings have been substantially diversified by innovative new programs, including a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, built on the strong foundation of one of the oldest continuously operating preparatory dance training centers in the United States. Positioning Peabody at the forefront of 21st-century arts education, Fred launched the four-year undergraduate degree program Music for New Media, which combines studies in composition, programming, and visual media for careers in emerging platforms such as computer games and virtual reality. And he has enhanced the Jazz program, which emphasizes experiential learning and connects musicians to a network of active and respected performers on the faculty and beyond. In addition, Fred initiated and institutionalized the Breakthrough Curriculum to bolster essential career development, entrepreneurial skills, and professional preparation for student-artists.
While fostering academic and creative growth, Fred oversaw the creation of a durable, need-based financial aid model, securing critical funding to ensure Peabody can meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all domestic undergraduate students and eliminate loans from financial aid packages beginning this fall, boosting accessibility and socioeconomic diversity. The ability to meet 100% of students’ financial need is unusual among conservatories, which traditionally offer aid primarily through competitive merit scholarships. Fred is also ensuring that the renovations and expansion of Peabody’s facilities pave the way for a modern campus befitting an elite conservatory.
Fred has been the steward of substantial growth in enrollment and has attracted and retained top talent across the faculty. With Fred’s guidance, Peabody has expanded programming across traditional conservatory training as well as in innovative areas such as arts and health, while ensuring that Peabody’s students have access to robust supports including counseling, physical therapy, and medical services. Among Peabody faculty, students, and administrators, Fred was lauded for deftly steering the institute through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, managing both the Conservatory’s and the Preparatory’s transition to remote learning and performance until the joyous return to in-person performances.
Fred’s bold vision and determined execution have ushered in a new era of innovation and sustainability for Peabody. We are excited by Peabody’s remarkable momentum as the institute continues to elevate its national stature, thanks to Fred’s visionary yet pragmatic leadership. Peabody is fortunate to have such a capable leader charting its path forward.
Please join us in thanking Fred for his service to the university and congratulating him on his reappointment.
Sincerely,
Ron Daniels
President
Ray Jayawardhana
Provost