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William Sanders, Rochester Institute of Technology’s new president, is excited to get to work. He was named to the position Tuesday.
“RIT is a very special place,” Sanders said. “It has taken a unique approach on its path to excellence, working at the intersection of technology, arts, and design.”
Sanders takes over from David Munson, who announced his retirement after eight years of service last April.
The Dr. William D. and Nancy W. Strecker dean of the College of Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, Sanders’ leadership efforts include a strategic plan to elevate the college’s research and global reach. Before Carnegie Mellon, Sanders held the Herman M. Dieckamp Endowed Chair in Engineering at the University of Illinois.
An engineer, researcher and innovator, Sanders’ interests include secure, dependable, and resilient computing systems with a focus on critical infrastructures, RIT says. He has directed work at the forefront of national efforts to make the U.S. power grid smart and resilient.
“(Sanders) thinks big and hits home runs,” Munson said in his remarks, adding that Sanders was a former colleague at the University of Illinois, some 20 years ago. “I have watched Bill’s career soar to impressive heights—from a pioneering researcher and successful entrepreneur to a collaborative and strategic leader. I am thrilled to have Bill as my successor because his appointment ensures that the future of RIT is secure, and the university’s upward trajectory will continue.”
Sanders was selected from a pool of candidates overseen by a 25-member search committee of students, faculty, staff, alumni, administration, and trustees. Susan Puglia, vice chair and chair-elect for the RIT board of trustees, says Sanders’ understanding and appreciation of the institute’s history was an important factor in their decision.
“Bill is the right leader at the right time to take the baton from President Munson and continue the acceleration of our university’s amazing trajectory,” she said. “Bill also articulates a compelling vision for RIT that will continue to drive RIT forward as a distinguished university both nationally and globally. This is an exciting time for RIT.”
Sanders called attention to RIT’s growth and its ability to forge its own path.
“It is clear that RIT has thrived under (President Dave Munson’s) leadership,” he said. “You have built upon the strong foundation created by previous presidents ensuring an even stronger foundation for the RIT community and me to build upon in the future.”
He praised the university for its pioneering approach to education, particularly with experiential learning, and its commitment to building a unique culture.
For example, Sanders noted RIT’s strong international programming and its special connection with the National Technical Institute for the Deaf. He demonstrated his eagerness to embrace it by attempting to sign out an unofficial slogan of the institute, “Go RIT Tigers,” in American Sign Language before beginning his opening remarks.
“I promise you, I’ll do that better next time,” he bashfully admitted to appreciative audience applause and laughter.
Sanders intends to maintain RIT’s brand and spirit, while also driving expansion. He sees RIT as poised to reinvent education for this century, mentioning the possibilities for generative AI and learning sciences.
“This is clearly RIT’s time, and that’s why I wanted to join you here,” he said.
Jacob Schermerhorn is a Rochester Beacon contributing writer and data journalist.
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