After a national search, Steve TenEyck has been appointed dean of the Ithaca College School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, officially stepping into the role on March 1. TenEyck, a longtime faculty member and administrator, previously served as the school’s co-interim dean for the past year and as associate dean for two years prior.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Melanie Stein highlighted TenEyck’s deep institutional knowledge and broad experience in the arts as key factors in his selection.
“Steve has demonstrated an understanding of the rich history of Ithaca College’s beginnings as a music conservatory, the importance of fostering an environment that promotes curricular and cross-disciplinary collaboration, and the imperative to adopt a student-first approach,” Stein said.
TenEyck first joined Ithaca College’s Department of Theatre Arts in 2001 and was promoted to professor in 2017. He became department chair in 2021 and played a key role in the 2022 merger of the theatre department with the School of Music to create the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance.
Now overseeing 15 degree programs, 120 faculty members, and 700 students, TenEyck emphasized the need for a strategic plan that strengthens existing programs, enhances financial sustainability, and fosters alumni engagement.
“We need to strengthen our existing programs by investing in our human and physical resources, bolster our offerings to students outside of MTD, align our financial resources with our values, and ensure that we are cultivating a vibrant and inclusive performing arts community,” he said.
TenEyck holds a BA in drama from the University of California at Santa Barbara and an MFA in lighting design from the University of Washington School of Drama. Before coming to Ithaca, he taught at both institutions.
As a faculty member, he has mentored students in theatrical design, overseeing six to ten productions annually. His service to Ithaca College includes membership on the Commencement Committee and chairing the 2018 School of Humanities and Sciences dean search.
Beyond academia, TenEyck is a member of Local 829 of United Scenic Artists, designing lighting and sets for theatre, opera, musical theatre, and dance productions nationwide. His production design expertise extends to major special events, from university celebrations to facility dedications.
TenEyck succeeds Anne Hogan, who served as the school’s inaugural dean from 2022 to 2024. As he steps into this new leadership role, he sees a promising future for the school’s faculty, students, and programs.
“We have all the pieces in place,” he said. “Incredible and talented faculty who are not only experts in their fields but also master teachers; dedicated and extraordinary staff who have created systems to support the work; world-class facilities; and passionate and gifted students.”
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