Dean College selects accomplished dancer as new leader for arts school

Photo | Courtesy of Dean College Stephen Ursprung, dean of the Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance and the School of the Arts

Write a Comment

By Lucy Coran

Franklin-based Dean College has appointed accomplished dancer and choreographer Stephen Ursprung as the new dean of the Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance and the School of the Arts.

Ursprung has been part of the Dean College faculty since 2016 and most recently served as interim assistant dean. In this role, he led advancements in curriculum, strengthened student engagement, and created cross-disciplinary partnerships that strengthened Dean’s dance and theatre programs, according to a Monday press release from the college.

Ursprung combines artistic vision, academic leadership, and a commitment to student-centered education in his work, and is a long-time advocate of innovation in the performing arts and interdisciplinary arts education, according to the press release.

“I am honored to step into this role as we look to the future of performing arts education at Dean College, where innovation, inclusivity, and artistic excellence guide all that we do,” Ursprung said. “We have an incredible opportunity to reimagine how we train, inspire, and engage the next generation of artists. I look forward to supporting and guiding our students toward successful careers.’

Ursprung's work at Dean College includes chairing the curriculum committee, serving on the liberal arts academic program review team, and mentoring the Dean College chapter of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts. He served as the co-chair of DANCE 2050, an initiative of the Maryland-based National Dance Education Organization reimagining the future of dance education in America. He is a member of the SAG-AFTRA labor union for entertainment professionals.

Ursprung replaces Patsy Collins Bandes as dean, who is now focusing on freelance arts and education consulting, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Dean College announced the creation of the Schools of Performing Arts in June 2024, a merger between elements of the School of the Arts and the Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance. The curriculum focuses on students gaining real-world experience and learning from professionals through master classes, public performances, capstone projects, industry internships, and collaborative productions.

Lucy Coran is an editorial intern for Worcester Business Journal and a rising sophomore at Smith College.