Announcing UM’s new dean of Music and Art
The University of Manitoba is pleased to announce that Dr. Stephen Runge has been appointed to the dual role of Dean, Desautels Faculty of Music and Director, School of Art, effective May 1, 2025.
Dr. Stephen Runge is a celebrated pianist, professor and administrator. He joins UM after serving 11 years as Head of the Department of Music at Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick where he is also a Professor of Piano and the Director of Mount Allison Local Centre Examinations in Music. In recognition of his outstanding teaching, research, creative activities, and service, Mount Allison awarded him a Paul Paré Excellence Award in 2010, the J.E.A. Crake Award for excellence in teaching in the Faculty of Arts in 2014, and the Paul Paré Medal in 2020. Before joining the faculty at Mount Allison, Dr. Runge taught at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota.
“Please join me in extending congratulations to Dr. Runge on his appointment,” says Diane Hiebert-Murphy, Provost and Vice-President (Academic). “Dr. Runge’s commitment to collaborative and collegial leadership, student experience, Indigenous achievement, EDIA, and research and creative works excellence will well serve the Desautels Faculty of Music, the School of Art, and the University of Manitoba.”
Born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan, Dr. Runge began playing piano at the age of six. He completed a Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Victoria, where he was a student of the late Dr. Robin Wood. Under the direction of Marc Durand, he completed a Master of Music degree at l’Université de Montréal and an Artist Diploma at The Glenn Gould School of The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. He then completed a Doctorate of Music in Piano Performance from l’Université de Montréal. He also studied at the Banff Centre for the Arts with Julian Martin of the Juilliard School and was a Fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center in Lenox, Massachusetts.
Dr. Runge is lauded as a sensitive and versatile pianist who has been broadcast nationally on CBC Radio Two and La Chaîne Culturelle de Radio-Canada, receiving special recognition for his frequent performances of chamber music and art song. He has recorded all the major works for solo piano by Robert Schumann, an album of solo piano works from 1917, and a recital of English art song with countertenor Daniel Cabena.
Dr. Runge has served as teacher, adjudicator and clinician across Canada. He has presented at conferences and given workshops on topics such as effective practice methods, performance practices for Baroque and Classical music, and the challenges of teaching popular music. He is currently Vice-President of the Canadian Music Festival Adjudicators’ Association. While serving in his new leadership role, Dr. Runge will also hold a position as tenured Professor in the Desautels Faculty of Music.
“I am truly honoured to join the University of Manitoba as Dean of the Desautels Faculty of Music and Director of the School of Art, and look forward to collaborating with such a vibrant community of faculty, students and staff,” says Dr. Runge. “I am excited to join this dynamic and committed group of artists and musicians as we work together to build on our strengths and continue to offer transformative creative experiences to our Music and Art students.”
Dr. Greg Smith, Vice-Provost (Academic Planning and Programs) will serve as Acting Dean of the Desautels Faculty of Music and Director of the School of Art until April 30, 2025.
UM extends a warm welcome to Dr. Runge and looks forward to his leadership.