New York City's The New School has announced the appointment of Richard Kessler as its new Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective immediately.

Kessler is closely acquainted with the management of the school, having served as Executive Dean of the university’s College of Performing Arts and Dean of the Mannes School of Music since 2011. 

As provost, he will have direct responsibility for academic planning, curriculum, faculty affairs, and research, as well as academic services and resources. He will work alongside the deans, faculty, and university leadership to advance the school's position and help develop its culture. 

Previously, Kessler presided over the initiative to combine three pre-existing institutions (the Mannes School of Music, the School of Jazz and Contemporary Music, and the School of Drama) into the College of Performing Arts. 

He was also responsible for partnerships with prominent ensembles such as the JACK Quartet, The Westerlies, and Sandbox Percussion, as well as the hiring of figures such as Leila Josefowicz, Jennifer Koh, and Arturo O’Farrill. 

Prior to his time at The New School, Kessler was executive director of the Center for Arts Education and the American Music Center and senior vice president of Artsvision. Originally a brass player, he has also taught brass chamber music at the Manhattan School of Music.

"As a respected member of The New School community for 14 years, Richard is a proven leader committed to advancing our teaching and learning mission and seeking new opportunities for impact and institutional growth," said Joel Towers, President of The New School. "He understands both the rich academic history of the university and our ambitious goals to remake The New School for the 21st century with innovative curricula that addresses the complexities of today’s world."

"Throughout his many years on our campus, Richard has earned a well-deserved reputation for making decisions that prioritize our students and contribute to the long-term success of the university. I am extremely pleased to welcome Richard into his new role."

"I love The New School and am deeply honored to become provost at this particularly challenging time for higher education and indeed, the world," Kessler said. "The vision of our founders is evergreen, compelling, and undoubtedly more than worth the continued efforts to translate that vision into something powerful for today and tomorrow."

"I am grateful to join our president, Joel Towers, all the leadership, staff, faculty, and our students to ensure that this great institution of learning will have a bright and important future."