Schools
Montserrat College Of Art Announces Interim President
Academic Dean Brian Pellinen Unanimously Selected, Will Move in to Position in January.
BEVERLY -- Montserrat President Kurt T. Steinberg, who has led the college since July of 2018, will leave in January to become the chief operating officer of the world-class, Peabody Essex Museum in Salem. On his departure, experienced Academic Dean Brian Pellinen will serve as interim president.
"Dr. Steinberg has been an exceptional leader of Montserrat during unprecedented times,” Mercedes Sherrod Evans, chair of the college’s board, said. "And now with great enthusiasm and confidence, I am announcing that the Montserrat Board of Trustees has unanimously selected Dean Brian Pellinen to serve as interim president of the college," she said.
Together Dr. Steinberg and Brian Pellinen led Montserrat through the challenges of the COVID-19. They helped the college land grants and gifts that increased internship and mentorship opportunities. This focus on post-graduate employment helped Montserrat achieve a ranking for the first time by the US News and World Report guide to the country’s best colleges, gaining notice in the “North Region” and “Social Mobility” categories.
Stienberg and Pellinen also helped the college adapt and innovate by developing a new strategic plan. That plan led to the hiring of new full-time faculty members and the creation of new areas of study. Beginning in September 2023, students at Montserrat will be able earn degrees in Writing and Visual Narratives and Games, Toys, and Play. Both of these new programs are in direct response to the growing interest in American culture in storytelling, graphic novels, role-playing games, educational games, and video games.
Brian Pellinen has served as Academic Dean of Montserrat since 2017 and before that, as Associate Dean from 2005 to 2009. He has served in academic leadership positions for 22 years, having been Academic Dean of Professional Studies at Endicott College, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Nashua Community College, and Chair of Language and Letters at Northern New Mexico College. He will serve as interim president pending the appointment of the college's next president. A search committee will be formed in the year ahead to interview search firms and begin a national search.
Brian’s experience in curriculum development, budgeting, accreditation, student affairs, advancement practices, and recruitment makes him an ideal candidate to lead the college at this time. The trustees are pleased that he is willing to take on this role and trust that he will be a great leader.
Board Chair Sherrod Evans said, "Please know that the experienced leadership team now in place is fully prepared to work with Brian to continue to keep the college on track by increasing enrollment, raising scholarship funds for students, and increasing academic options and opportunities."
