Provost Search and Academic Affairs Updates

President Lucchese provides an update on the provost search and announces the appointment of Sean Skeete as interim executive director of Berklee College of Music.

July 7, 2026

Dear Berklee community,

I hope you had a restful and festive holiday weekend. I wanted to update you on the global provost search and some exciting changes to the academic affairs leadership structure.

First, I am deeply appreciative of the search committee’s incredible work over the spring semester. After consulting with the committee, I’ve decided to extend the search through the fall semester. The committee will be supported by international executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles.

Second, I want to thank Ron Savage for continuing to serve as interim provost. Ron has been leading Academic Affairs with his passion for supporting our students and fostering a culture of collaboration. Please join me in expressing gratitude to Ron for his leadership and his willingness to serve Berklee in this capacity.

Third, Ron has appointed Sean Skeete, dean of the Professional Performance Division (PPD), as interim executive director of Berklee College of Music, effective July 1. Sean brings an exceptional depth of experience and expertise to this interim role, providing oversight of and direction for the college’s three academic divisions.

Serving as the dean of PPD since 2023, Sean’s leadership has shaped one of the largest and most innovative performing arts curricula in the world. He has led the creation and implementation of programs and initiatives that strengthened instructional quality and student outcomes through faculty growth, curriculum redesign, and high-visibility performances and partnerships. Additionally, PPD launched the Ensemble Innovation Grant to support faculty-led ensemble projects that explore non-traditional formats and diverse musical traditions, and rolled out 18 online courses and curriculum offerings to meet a variety of student interests.

Prior to his dean appointment, Sean served as chair of the Ensemble Department from 2018 to 2023. Sean’s commitment to education goes well beyond administrative duties. For over two decades, he has taught ensembles and private drum lessons, and led drum set technique labs at Berklee. His influence extends globally as he conducts workshops and clinics for aspiring musicians around the world. Sean is a distinguished drummer and versatile performer who has shared stages with artists including Take 6, En Vogue, and Cece Winans, and performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Boston Pops.

Please join me in congratulating Sean on his appointment and in supporting him as he takes on this role.

Yours,