Dean Fred Bronstein, DMA, an accomplished pianist, dedicated music educator, and successful chief executive of American symphony orchestras – was appointed the first dean of the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University on June 1, 2014. During his first term Bronstein instituted a comprehensive, five-year Breakthrough Plan to focus the administration on strategic goals and improving the school's financial stability, a process that was renewed in 2019-2020. Under his leadership, Peabody adopted a new curriculum that redefines the education model for aspiring artists, preparing them for 21st-century careers. The school also launched two innovative academic programs in 2018—in dance and in music for new media—which helped increase the school's applications and enrollment. Bronstein has led Peabody in establishing ties with other Hopkins schools and with Baltimore community programs to bring performance and arts education beyond the halls of the conservatory. He helped establish the Johns Hopkins Center for Music and Medicine, and its affiliate, the Johns Hopkins Rehabilitation Network Clinic for Performing Artists at Peabody is the first of its kind on a music school campus. Bronstein has also been an advocate for equity and inclusion and has been outspoken in his belief that attracting new and diverse audiences is necessary to ensure the future success of the performing arts industry. Prior to joining Peabody, Bronstein served as president of several orchestras, including the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Omaha Symphony, and Dallas Symphony Orchestra. As a performer, Bronstein toured for eight years and could be heard on New World Records as part of Aequalis, a chamber group he co-founded with a focus on new American music, innovative programming, and educational outreach. He received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the State University of New York, Stony Brook.