About the Master
Dr Michael Stepniak BA, MMus, MMus, EdM, EdD
Master & Head of College, Queen’s College, The University of Melbourne Honorary Principal Fellow, Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, The University of Melbourne
Dr Michael Stepniak is an academic leader, musician, and author with a distinguished career spanning higher education, the arts, and leadership studies. He has played a pivotal role in advancing interdisciplinary education, fostering student leadership, championing diversity and inclusion, and securing transformational philanthropic support for the arts and higher learning.
A graduate of Harvard University, he holds a Doctor of Education (EdD, 2006) and Master of Education (EdM, 2000), alongside two Master of Music (MMus) degrees in viola performance and musicology from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University (1998) and Northwestern University (1995). He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and trained as a violinist at the New England Conservatory, earning top prizes at both of these institutions.
Before his appointment at Queen’s College, Dr Stepniak served as Executive Dean for Creativity and the Arts and Professor of Music at Shenandoah University (USA), leading transformative academic and artistic initiatives. As Dean of Shenandoah Conservatory (2009–2023), he oversaw unprecedented growth, strengthening its international reputation, attracting distinguished faculty, and expanding student opportunities. Under his leadership, the Conservatory launched innovative degree programmes, integrating artistic rigour with a more inclusive framework, introduced nationally recognised student-centred initiatives, and built strategic partnerships with leading arts and educational institutions.
A champion of excellence, inclusion, and innovation, he enhanced the Conservatory’s identity as a nationally recognised centre for artistic distinction, collaboration, and forward-thinking creativity, securing significant philanthropic investment to ensure its continued impact.
A globally recognised scholar and thought leader, Dr Stepniak has shaped discourse on higher education, leadership, music training, and creativity. His works include Don’ts for Deans and Academic Leaders: A Higher Education Guidebook (2023), an insightful yet irreverent handbook on academic governance, alongside books and articles on institutional change, leadership, and the future of music training.
An accomplished chamber musician, violinist, and violist, Dr Stepniak has performed in major concert halls across the world and collaborated with celebrated artists, including Ann Schein, Earl Carlyss, John Patitucci, and Arlo Guthrie. His performances have been featured on National Public Radio, recorded for Centaur Records, and regularly showcased in collaboration with the Mendelssohn Piano Trio. His playing has been praised by The Washington Post and other leading publications for its poise, expressive range, and technical brilliance.
Beyond his academic and artistic contributions, he has held key governance and advisory roles, including serving on the Board of Directors of the International Council of Fine Arts Deans.
Born in Springvale, Victoria, and raised on a farm in the Yarra Valley, Dr Stepniak left Australia at 15 to pursue advanced music studies in North America as an emerging concert violinist.
He is married to Dr Anne Schempp and is the father of four: Marianna, Caroline, Tristan, and Tilda. His older children are engaged in professional and academic pursuits across Norway, England, and the United States.