Dr. Thomas F. Schutte
Dr. Thomas F. Schutte
Dr. Thomas F. Schutte, President Emeritus of Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, passed away on March 26, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on December 19, 1935, Schutte was the son of Lindsley R. and Marion Healy Schutte of Rochester, New York.
He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Tess Lansing Schutte; sons Douglas L. Schutte and David L. Schutte; grandchildren Matthew Schutte, Trevor Schutte, Ryan Schutte, Kara Schutte Weinstein, and Ethan Levy; great-grandchildren Griffin Schutte and Ellie Schutte; sister Caroline Schutte Chandler; and many nieces, nephews, and other family members.
Schutte earned his BA degree from Valparaiso University, an MBA from Indiana University, and a PhD in management from the University of Colorado. After receiving his doctorate degree, Schutte devoted his career to academia, first as a professor and as Assistant Dean at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. In 1975 he was appointed President of the Philadelphia College of Art, beginning a 42-year run leading prominent American art schools. In 1983, he was tapped to run the Rhode Island School of Design and in 1993 he joined Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, where he remained until his retirement in 2017.
A visionary leader in art and design education, Schutte served as Pratt’s President for 24 years, overseeing a transformational era that strengthened the Institute’s academic excellence, campus, and global reputation. Schutte’s leadership revitalized Pratt, more than doubling enrollment and securing its place as one of the world’s premier art, design, and architecture institutions. He was also committed to local cultural and preservation initiatives, leaving a lasting impact on the city he loved. Over his long career, Schutte received two honorary degrees and numerous awards for outstanding contributions to cultural and community organizations.
Despite the many demands of his role, Schutte found time for other pursuits. He was an avid collector of early American antiques, passionate preservationist, enthusiastic gardener, and dedicated swimmer.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of choice or to the Thomas F. and Tess L. Schutte Endowed Scholarship Fund at Pratt Institute to continue his legacy of supporting students in the arts. Contributions may be made online at giving.pratt.edu/SchutteScholarshipFund.
The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 30th in Bellinger Chapel of Jamestown’s First Presbyterian Church, 509 Prendergast Ave. and will also be live-streamed on the church’s website www.firstpresjamestown.com.
The family will greet friends in fellowship hall of the church following the service Sunday. A private burial will take place at White Haven Memorial Park in Pittsford, NY. To share a condolence, please visit www.lindfuneralhome.com.