FACULTY
JOining THE BOSTOn COnSErVATOrY LAST JUnE
FrOM THE rUDi E. SCHEiDT SCHOOL OF MUSiC AT
THE UniVErSiTY OF MEMpHiS, THE COnSErVATOrY’S
nEW DEAn, Dr. pATriCiA HOY, WASTED nO TiME
gETTing ACCLiMATED TO HEr nEW pOSiTiOn, nEW
inSTiTUTiOn AnD nEW HOME TOWn OF BOSTOn.
Imagining the
Possibilities with De a n Ho y
eaving behind southern traditions and a sprawling a cross-section of eight faculty members, each nominated
L
campus

atmosphere, Hoy now walks to work for and elected by his or her peers. Later this year, she expects
the first time in her career, witnessing daily the the board of trustees to appoint its first faculty trustee.
hustle and bustle of a congested urban campus, “She understands the importance of faculty engagement,”
a place where it is not unusual to see a bicyclist pushing says Yasuko Tokunaga, director of the Dance Division. “She
a double bass case while talking on a cell phone. is working to unite the school and create a common vision
“I love Boston,” says Hoy. “This area of town is a and purpose while honoring the differences of the disciplines.”
dream world for artists with an incredible amount of Hoy is also revisiting how the faculty communicates.
energy and passion.” Being at a small institution where faculty members do not
A performer and conductor herself, Hoy is a natural fit have physical offices presents some unique communication
for this village of artists and students. She shares their and operating challenges. “It forces us to think in new and
enthusiasm while bringing new energy and endless ideas creative ways,” says Hoy.
to the conversation. As she says, “The reason I went into But Hoy is able to apply her large institution experience
administration was to help those around me imagine the in numerous other ways, building new structure and putting
possibilities and create the momentum to achieve.” in place tracking processes and measurement programs that
But Hoy is the first to recognize the importance of first wouldn’t necessarily exist in a small informal environment.
“learning the ropes” and gaining a deep understanding of Neil Donohoe, director of the Theater Division, says,
how The Boston Conservatory has operated and arrived at “She knows how to handle the ‘nitty gritty’ while staying
this moment in time in its history. focused on where we’re going in the future.”
“It can’t all be done on day one. There needs to be a Indeed, Hoy has lots of plans up her sleeve—developing
balance between gathering knowledge and moving forward new curriculum, expanding summer programs, establishing
and getting everyone on board,” she explains. “Learning a first year experience program for students and encouraging
the institution is very similar to learning a new piece of all those around her to think in new and different ways
music. It takes time.” about the work of the Conservatory.
One of Hoy’s biggest priorities is to create a cohesive “She inspires others to think bigger and be bigger,” says
faculty unit that is engaged with the planning and direction Karl Paulnack, director of the Music Division. “It’s all about
of the Conservatory. Shortly after coming on board, she what’s positive and possible, not what we should fear.”
initiated a series of faculty meetings, some of the most Hoy knows there is a long road ahead but remains
well-attended faculty events in years. Following these excited and optimistic about the direction in which the
meetings, she set up the Conservatory’s new Dean’s school is headed. “As long as we forward the momentum,
Council, a planning and sounding board consisting of we’ll get there.”
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