Summary
Frances Bronet is a Canadian architect and academic administrator who has been serving as the 12th president of Pratt Institute in New York City since January 2018. She previously served as provost of the private Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago from 2015 to 2018 and as acting provost of the University of Oregon from 2014 to 2015.
Education And Qualification
From McGill University in Canada, Bronet received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture (1977), a professional Bachelor of Architecture (1978), and a Bachelor of Engineering in civil engineering. Bronet received a Master of Science in Architecture from Columbia University. She is a member of the Order of Architects of Quebec.
Biography
Frances Bronet, a distinguished educator and leader in interdisciplinary learning, was born in Canada. She pursued professional degrees in architecture and engineering from McGill University, later earning her graduate degree from Columbia University. Licensed by the Quebec Ordre des Architectes, Bronet began her career practicing in several award-winning offices in New York and Canada, including her own firm in Montreal.
Her transition into academia began at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), where she joined the School of Architecture as a faculty member. At RPI, she advanced through several leadership roles, serving as associate dean of architecture, professor of architecture, and ultimately acting dean of the School of Architecture.
Bronet’s career progressed to the University of Oregon, where she served as dean of the School of Architecture and Allied Arts (now the College of Design). She was later appointed acting provost, expanding her leadership influence across the university.
Following her tenure in Oregon, Bronet became senior vice president and provost at Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) in Chicago, continuing her focus on interdisciplinary education and institutional development.
In 2018, Bronet was appointed the 12th president of Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. Under her leadership, Pratt experienced significant growth in international rankings, enrollment of underrepresented students, graduation rates, financial aid offerings, and its endowment. She prioritised environmental sustainability, leading the Institute to adopt high-efficiency models to reduce energy and carbon usage.
During her presidency, Pratt expanded its physical and academic footprint, establishing a presence at the Brooklyn Navy Yard with a new research facility and MFA programming. Bronet also oversaw Pratt’s role as an inaugural partner of The New York Climate Exchange and the launch of a public high school dedicated to design and social justice in collaboration with Bank Street College of Education and the New York City Department of Education.
A recognised thought leader in multidisciplinary design curricula, Bronet has spent nearly four decades developing and publishing work linking architecture, engineering, science, technology, society, dance, and the fine and electronic arts. Her work has been funded by the National Science Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Notably, Bronet collaborated with choreographer Alito Alessi and the DanceAbility company on the NEA-funded performance ‘Don’t Leave Me’ at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. Prior to this, she created acclaimed architecture and dance performance/installations with the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company.
Her contributions to architectural education have been recognised with several prestigious honours, including being named twice as a DesignIntelligence Most Admired Educator, receiving the ACSA Distinguished Professor designation, and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching New York Professor of the Year. She is also a recipient of the William H. Wiley Distinguished Professor Award.
In leadership circles, Bronet served as president of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), chancellor of the ACSA College of Distinguished Professors, and co-founded the ACSA Women’s Leadership Council. She continues to mentor and advocate for women in leadership roles nationwide.
Since joining Pratt, Bronet has earned public recognition including PoliticsNY’s 2022 Power Players in Education, City & State’s Brooklyn Power 50 and Power 100 lists, the New York Women’s Power 100, and the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation’s 2019 Oculus Award for academic leadership.
Her expertise and leadership have been profiled in outlets such as Design Milk, The Architect’s Newspaper, Interior Design, and Madame Architect. She has contributed thought pieces to Crain’s New York Business and Gotham Gazette and has featured on programs including The Brian Lehrer Show, Studio 360, and Person Place Thing.
In civic and industry service, Bronet was appointed to the Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development to support inclusive economic growth in New York City. She also serves as chair of the board of trustees for the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD), member of the Consortium for Sustainable Urbanisation advisory board, and co-chair of the Myrtle Avenue Business Improvement District.
In July 2024, The Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD) elected Frances Bronet, president of Pratt Institute, as the new chair of its board of trustees. Prior to this appointment, President Bronet served on AICAD’s Executive Committee for six years. “President Bronet is a leader among leaders,” said Deborah Obalil, president and executive director of AICAD. “She is held in high esteem among her peers and we look forward to her continuing to elevate the field of arts and design higher education through her role as chair.”
Today, Frances Bronet continues to lead Pratt Institute while contributing nationally and internationally as a speaker, juror, and advocate for interdisciplinary education, sustainability, and equity in higher education.
References
- “Pratt Institute | The Institute | Administration and Resources | Office of the President | About Frances Bronet”. www.pratt.edu.
- “Frances Bronet Named New Provost at Illinois Institute of Technology | Illinois Institute of Technology”. www.iit.edu.
- “UO acting provost Frances Bronet heads to Illinois Tech”. oregonlive.
- “Frances Bronet Named New Provost at Illinois Institute of Technology | Illinois Institute of Technology”. www.iit.edu.
- “Pratt Institute | News | Pratt Institute Selects Frances Bronet as the College’s 12th President”. www.pratt.edu.
- Frances Bronet Wikipedia
- Frances Bronet New York Climate Exchange
- Unpredictable Times in Education, Frances Bronet, Podcast #145 Gotham Gal
- President Frances Bronet on Working Across Domains and Imagining What We Can Do Together Madame Architect
- Higher education should collaborate to innovate during the pandemic Crain’s New York Business
Contact with business owner
Your request has been submitted successfully.
Own or work here?
Claim Now!
Claim Now!