Faculty

Profile

Dr. Grace Park has built a distinguished career as an arts education leader, violist, and academic administrator with more than fifteen years of experience in higher education, K–12 education, and the nonprofit arts sector. She currently serves as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at the Mannes School of Music at The New School, where she provides strategic leadership in academic planning, faculty affairs, and student success, while fostering collaborative relationships across the College of Performing Arts. Since joining Mannes in 2023 as Assistant Director of Academic Affairs and Part-Time Faculty, she has been widely recognized for her meticulous approach, deep institutional knowledge, and commitment to shared governance. Dr. Park integrates her extensive performance background with her administrative expertise to strengthen curriculum, elevate student support, and advance innovative, community-centered arts programming.

In her previous role at Mannes, Dr. Park oversaw the implementation of undergraduate and graduate curricula, led the onboarding and support of part-time faculty, and served as a primary contact for resolving academic issues. She has contributed to cross-disciplinary initiatives, strengthened assessment practices, and cultivated partnerships that expand opportunities for students and faculty alike. Her leadership style—rooted in listening, collaboration, and strategic vision—reflects her belief that excellence in the arts emerges from both rigorous training and inclusive community engagement. Prior to joining The New School, she held senior leadership roles at the California Institute of the Arts and Crossroads School for the Arts and Sciences. 

As a versatile and accomplished performer, Dr. Park has appeared with leading ensembles including the Los Angeles Opera, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, and Boston Symphony Orchestra, and has collaborated with major cultural institutions such as Carnegie Hall and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. She has performed with world-renowned musicians including Anne-Sophie Mutter, Gil Shaham, Midori Goto, Sarah Chang, and Yo-Yo Ma, as well as with celebrated popular artists such as Beyoncé, Elton John, and Stevie Wonder. In addition, she has recorded for film and television. These experiences, alongside her administrative leadership, reflect her enduring commitment to bridging artistry and education in ways that resonate with diverse audiences and communities.  

Dr. Park’s professional affiliations include the American Federation of Musicians, Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society, and the Collegiate Music Outreach Network. She earned her Doctor of Musical Arts in Viola Performance with a concentration in Music Education and Arts Leadership and her Bachelor of Music from the University of Southern California, as well as a Master of Music from the New England Conservatory of Music. Fluent in Korean and English, she remains dedicated to advancing equity, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensuring that the transformative power of the arts is accessible to all.