Fred Bronstein appointed to third term as dean of the Peabody Institute

Fred Bronstein, who has proved to be a transformational leader for the Peabody Institute since joining Johns Hopkins University in June 2014, has been appointed to a third term as dean through June 30, 2029, the university announced today.

Image caption: Fred Bronstein

In a message sent today to the Hopkins community, JHU President Ron Daniels and Provost Ray Jayawardhana praised Bronstein for developing a clear roadmap for Peabody's impact on the performing arts in Baltimore and beyond amid a rapidly changing landscape for performing arts education. He has led the diversification of Peabody's degree offerings to include a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, and positioned the the institute at the forefront of 21st-century music education with the launch of the undergraduate degree program Music for New Media. Bronstein also enhanced the Jazz program, initiated and institutionalized the Breakthrough Curriculum to bolster essential career preparation for student-artists, and steered the institute through the COVID-19 pandemic, from its transition to remote learning and performance through to the joyous return to in-person performances.

His appointment to a third term was approved by the university's board of trustees last month.

"Fred's bold vision and determined execution have ushered in a new era of innovation and sustainability for Peabody," Daniels and Jayawardhana wrote. "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."

Daniels and Jayawardhana commended Bronstein for boosting accessibility and socioeconomic diversity by overseeing the creation of a need-based financial aid model, securing critical funding to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for all domestic undergraduate students and eliminate loans from financial aid packages beginning this fall. He is also guiding the renovation and expansion of Peabody's facilities to modernize the campus.

The leaders celebrated Bronstein for attracting and retaining top faculty while serving as the steward of substantial growth in enrollment. With his guidance, Peabody has expanded programming to ensure students have access to robust supports including counseling, physical therapy, and medical services.

"Please join us in thanking Fred for his service to the university and congratulating him on his reappointment," Daniels and Jayawardhana wrote.