Dean College is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen Ursprung as the new dean of the Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance and the School of the Arts. His appointment follows a national search and is effective immediately.
Ursprung has been a member of the Dean College faculty since 2016 and most recently served as interim assistant dean. In this role, he led key curricular enhancements, deepened student engagement, and fostered cross-disciplinary partnerships to strengthen the College’s nationally recognized dance and theatre programs.
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| Stephen Ursprung |
As a seasoned educator and performer, Ursprung brings to his work a dynamic blend of artistic vision, academic leadership, and a deep commitment to student-centered education. He is a long-time champion of innovation in the performing arts and interdisciplinary arts education.
“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,” said Ursprung. “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.”
In addition to his work as dean, Ursprung has chaired the College’s curriculum committee, served on the liberal arts academic program review team, and mentors the Dean College chapter of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA). His influence also extends nationally, as the co-chair of DANCE 2050, an initiative of the National Dance Education Organization that envisions the future of dance education in America.
Ursprung remains an active artist as a member of SAG-AFTRA and the Actors’ Equity Association, with credited roles in the movies “Hocus Pocus 2” and “Little Women,” recent performances in “La Cage Aux Folles” and “Oklahoma!” at Trinity Repertory Company, and choreographing productions for Bridge Repertory Theatre of Boston. Ursprung also completed a research fellowship at Jacob’s Pillow in 2024, one of the most prestigious institutions in American Modern Dance. As a performer and educator, he continues his involvement in Dancing Legacy, the NilsSprung Dance Project, and Reject Dance Theatre.
“Stephen’s expertise, experience, and deep commitment to student-centered learning make him the ideal choice to guide our performing arts schools into their next chapters,” said Dr. Scott Sibley, Provost. “We are excited for the vision and momentum he brings to this role.”
Ursprung holds a B.A. in Economics and Italian Studies from Brown University and an M.F.A. in Dance from Smith College.
Dean College is a private, residential New England college grounded in a culture and tradition that all students deserve the opportunity for academic and personal success. A uniquely supportive community for more than 160 years, Dean has woven together extensive student support and engagement with exceptional teaching and innovative campus activities. Our graduates are lifetime learners who thrive in their careers, embrace social responsibility and demonstrate leadership. This is The Dean Difference.
