The New School Names Anne Gaines Executive Dean of Parsons School of Design
New York, August 18, 2025—The New School today announced the appointment of Anne Gaines, Interim Dean of the School of Fashion at Parsons and an Associate Professor of Contemporary Art Practice, as Executive Dean of Parsons School of Design. An accomplished and respected higher education administrator, scholar, and professor, Gaines begins in her new role today.
Gaines’ appointment follows a robust international search for a strong leader to advance Parsons’ mission. As Executive Dean, she will serve as Parsons’ principal academic and strategic leader, overseeing an innovative curriculum, financial and resource management, fundraising and partnerships, and administration and culture. She succeeds Yvonne Watson, who will be taking on a new role for the university.
In announcing the appointment, Joel Towers, President of The New School, said, “Anne brings an exceptional record of shaping and leading important innovations for Parsons to this role, and has served throughout her tenure as an innovative and dedicated leader, administrator, and mentor to our students, faculty, and staff. Her strength as a leader and depth of experience as a scholar, artist, and changemaker comes at a crucial moment for Parsons as we continue to advance the extraordinary possibilities of our academic community. I am delighted to welcome Anne to her new role.”
A talented scholar and respected professor with extensive and thoughtful work in pedagogy, cultural critique, and multidisciplinary artistic practices, Gaines 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, Associate Director of Parsons First Year Program, Director of Parsons Scholars Program, and Dean of Parsons School of Art, Media, and Technology from 2012 through 2020.
Gaines joined the Parsons faculty in 2000 and currently serves as Associate Professor of Contemporary Art Practice. She has taught design and studio arts at all levels— from pre-college and first year through graduate studies 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. She is particularly interested in the role of community and culture in a large urban center like New York City.
“Anne Gaines rose to the top of an extremely accomplished and impressive pool of candidates for this incredibly important leadership role,” said Richard Kessler, The New School’s Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. “So very many involved in the search were excited by Anne’s deep, broad, and unique knowledge of Parsons, including her powerful perspective on its past, present, and great potential for the future.”
“I’m thrilled to be named Executive Dean of Parsons School of Design and am deeply honored to lead one of the top art and design schools in the world,” said Gaines. “As a proud Parsons alumna, I am committed to the bold mission and vision of the school. I look forward to working with our exceptional students, faculty, and staff to help shape the next generation of leaders in art, design, and other creative professions.”
After completing her MFA at Parsons, Gaines early on found Parsons and higher education the ideal host to support her scholarly commitments to community and inclusion efforts. These began with her early scholarship program development work with youth in New York City that became the Parsons Scholars Program. This throughline of her endeavors continues in her recent work as co-director of the CareLab at the university. In addition to her MFA from Parsons, Gaines holds a BFA from Memphis College of Art.
About The New School: Founded in 1919, The New School was established to advance academic freedom, tolerance, and experimentation. A century later, The New School remains at the forefront of innovation in higher education, inspiring more than 9,300 undergraduate and graduate students to challenge the status quo in design and the social sciences, liberal arts, management, the arts, and media. The university welcomes thousands of adult learners annually for continuing education courses and public programs that encourage open discourse and social engagement. Through our online learning portals, research institutes, and international partnerships, The New School maintains a global presence.