Berklee has made history by appointing the college’s first woman president. Composer and conductor Erica Muhl will begin her term in July of next year, after working at the University of Southern California for 30 years.
She will take the place of current Berklee president Roger H. Brown.
“I want to offer my deepest thanks and appreciation to Berklee’s trustees, and to the amazing Roger Brown,” said Muhl. “The institution you have all built has no equal, and I am deeply honored by your faith in my ability to continue to grow its mission, and to provide unprecedented and unrivaled learning and professional experiences across the spectrum of music, the arts, technology, and creative entrepreneurship.”
During Muhl’s time at the University of Southern California, she served as dean and founding executive director of the Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy for Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation.
“Erica has an impressive background as a musician and was one of the prime movers in the creation of the Iovine Young Academy,” said President Roger Brown. “I believe it is one of the most innovative programs in all of American higher education, re-imagining education at the intersection of music, art, media, and technology.”
A committee composed of members from across Berklee’s community selected Muhl after a thorough year-long search.
“Erica’s experience as a strong, seasoned leader who has innovated and managed in times of change uniquely places her to lead Berklee into a new era,” said Marty Mannion, chair of the Presidential Search Committee, and vice chair of Berklee’s Board of Trustees. “Her enthusiasm for our mission, along with a skill set that readily embraces the full range of what we do makes her a strong choice to lead Berklee as our next president.”
“Erica’s deep experience in cross-disciplinary innovation in higher education—with artistry and technology at the core—coupled with her distinguished music career and lifelong dedication to students, embodies the qualities we sought and aligns perfectly with Berklee’s vision,” said Susan Whitehead, chair of Berklee’s Board of Trustees and member of the Presidential Search Committee.
Image by USC photo / Gus Ruelas.
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