Mellasenah Morris, a Peabody alumna and former
assistant dean for academic affairs at the
school, has been appointed dean of the conservatory/deputy
director of the
Peabody Institute.
Morris, a professor of piano and director of the
School of Music at The Ohio State University,
will succeed Wolfgang Justen on July 1. Justen retires this
year after serving as the dean of the
conservatory since 2002. He will continue teaching on a
part-time basis.
"I am confident that Dr. Morris has the experience
— both musical and administrative — and the
wisdom to work with all of us in leading the conservatory
through its challenges and to embrace the
exciting opportunities in our future," said Peabody
Director Jeffrey Sharkey. "I believe her love for
Peabody, combined with extensive experience outside of it,
will make her uniquely suited to the role of
dean and deputy director."
Morris holds bachelor and doctoral degrees from
Peabody, where she was a student of Julio
Esteban; had master classes with Leon Fleisher, Irvin
Freundlich, Fernando Laires and David Burge;
and had coaching with Ann Schein. She is an active
recitalist, solo artist, chamber music performer,
lecturer and adjudicator.
"I am thrilled to have an opportunity to return to the
institution in which I was privileged to
study and grow musically, intellectually and personally,"
Morris said. "Peabody prepared me for the
career that I have enjoyed thus far as a performer,
educator and music executive. It is amazing for
my life to come full circle as I embark upon new, exciting
experiences at this great place."
Morris made her New York debut recital in Carnegie
Recital Hall and has served on the faculty
at Baltimore City College, Villa Julie College and the
Peabody Conservatory.
Her previous administrative positions include dean of
the School of Music at Alabama State
University and director of the School of Music at James
Madison University, where she also was
professor of piano. She is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda, the
national music honorary society, and
serves on the executive committee and executive board of
the National Association of Schools of
Music in the position of treasurer.