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Executive Dean

Anne Gaines

Executive Dean of Parsons School of Design

Email: Anne Gaines

Profile

Anne Gaines was named executive dean of Parsons School of Design in August 2025. An accomplished scholar and respected professor who has worked extensively in pedagogy, cultural critique, and multidisciplinary artistic practices, Anne has taken on many leadership roles over more than two decades at Parsons. Her successive leadership roles include interim dean of the School of Fashion (spring 2025), associate director of Parsons' First Year Program (fall 2025), director of the Parsons Scholars Program (spring 2021 and 2006 to 2012), and dean of Parsons' School of Art, Media, and Technology (2012 to 2020). Anne joined the Parsons faculty in 2000 and currently serves as an associate professor of contemporary art practice. She has taught design and studio arts at all levels—from pre-college and first year through the graduate level and continuing education programming—and has brought a consistent focus on academic excellence and successful student outcomes to her work. As a studio practitioner, educator, and Parsons alumna, Anne reflects through her experience Parsons’ broad perspective on what it means to be an artist. Anne has a particular long-held interest in the role of community and culture in a large urban center like New York City. She earned her MFA from Parsons and her BFA from the Memphis College of Art.

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