ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Kate Sheeran's favorite part of the job is watching new students at the Eastman School of Music sharpen their skills. Not that long ago, she was a student performing on the stage.

Sheeran is the school's newest dean. In Eastman’s 100-year history, Sheeran is only the eighth dean, and the first woman to hold the position.

Sheeran feels a responsibility stepping into this role but is also looking at the women who came before her for inspiration.

“Lots of fantastic women have been leaders at Eastman, even though not in the dean’s role," said Sheeran. "I also think about the people who will come after, the next dean who’s a woman. Hopefully she will have even more doors opened for her."

Sheeran’s background includes making music education accessible and creating high-level performances in cities such as San Francisco and New York City. It's a background she’s excited to bring as dean of Eastman.

“The best thing about our art form is that we can reflect the world around us," said Sheeran. "It’s really always more interesting when there’s more people at the table or in our case voices in the choir."

It’s been three months since Sheeran took over as dean. She says it’s been an exciting time to be in Rochester, and as students return to campus, Sheeran says she is ready to share that excitement with them.