Nancy Grasmick (PhD Ed. ’80, Education), who has long been an enthusiastic supporter of Peabody, has further strengthened her ties by assuming the role of Chair of the Peabody Institute Advisory Board. The volunteer board advocates for Peabody’s mission and advises Dean Fred Bronstein on strategic issues and the development of new resources.

Grasmick’s association with Peabody stretches back many years — to when she studied piano as a child and harp as an adult in the Preparatory — and she has served on the PIAB since 2013. More recently, she made a significant gift to support Peabody’s Breakthrough Curriculum.

“Dr. Grasmick’s commitment to Peabody and to our vision oftraining for 21st-century artists isexemplary,” notes Bronstein. “Her $1 million gift in 2019 to support the Breakthrough Curriculum speaks volumes about her passion for this work, and now she brings that level of purpose to this critical volunteer leadership position.”

Grasmick, who was state superintendent for Maryland Public Schools from 1991 to 2011, believes the Breakthrough Curriculum is key to Peabody educating graduates who will be able to “integrate the arts into any endeavor and [experience] the impact of the arts in every field.”

“Having artists develop practical skills in entrepreneurship and in using the arts in all kinds of diverse ways, we create citizens who are engaging people in our state and country. This isn’t about coming to Peabody. It’s about Peabody going out into the community,” she says.

“We feel extremely fortunate that Nancy has agreed to step into this role,” adds Courtney Rowe, associate dean for external relations. “Her expertise and generosity will be of great benefit to Peabody and all of its students and alumni.”