Pratt President Emeritus Thomas F. Schutte Dies At 89
Thomas F. Schutte, known for his longstanding role as the 11th president of Pratt Institute, recently passed away on March 26, 2025, in New York, at the age of 89. During his 24-year tenure as president, after which he was named president emeritus, Schutte overhauled the Institute, eliminating its deficit, revitalizing the campus, and doubling enrollment. Bolstering the Institute’s reputation as a leading school of art, design, and architecture, Schutte insisted on a holistic approach to learning. Many programs were inspired by Schutte’s lead, continuing on even after his retirement, like students working with Walzworkinc founder Kevin Walz to reinvent shipping containers as social minded residential communities.
“Tom transformed the Institute into a world leader among art and design colleges,” says Pratt president Frances Bronet in a statement. “We mourn the loss of an enthusiastic leader and community giant who was Pratt’s strongest champion for a significant period of the Institute’s prestigious history.”
The Academic Life Of Thomas F. Schutte
Born on December 19, 1935, in Rochester, New York, Schutte earned his BA degree from Valparaiso University, an MBA from Indiana University, and a PhD in management from the University of Colorado. Fully devoting his career to academia, Schutte had a long 42-year run leading prominent art schools, serving as the assistant dean at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and president at the Philadelphia College of Art and RISD before joining Pratt in 1993, where he remained until his retirement in 2017.
Despite his busy career, Schutte always found time for other pursuits. A champion of civic engagement, he founded the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership and established initiatives like the Center for Equity and Inclusion and the Design Incubator for Sustainable Innovation. He also had a playful side with his love of dogs, being appointed to the American Kennel Club’s Museum of the Dog Board of Directors, and even serving as the emcee with Food Network’s Chopped host Ted Allen to kick off the LEGENDS gala honoring David Easton.
Bronet concludes, “His incredible passion for education, dedication to innovation, and care for and commitment to the Pratt community, Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, and New York City are a tremendous legacy that will continue to resonate for years to come, inspiring all of us at Pratt as we work together to forge the future of the Institute he loved so much.”
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Tess Lansing Schutte; sons Douglas and David; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and sister, Caroline Chandler.
Honoring The Legacy Of Thomas F. Schutte
read more
DesignWire
Heller Introduces Fully Regenerative, Microplastic-Free Furniture
Using patented enzyme technology made by Worry Free Plastics, Heller’s furniture and select accessories are now fully biodegradable.
DesignWire
6 Creatives Share How A HiP People Win Propels Careers
Learn why designers and manufacturers honored in the HiP People category say entering is well worth it. “Do not hesitate for a second,” says Daniel Germani.
