RIT Selects Destler as President

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"The University of Maryland can also take great pride in Bill's appointment at RIT for it reflects greatly the academic distinction and national stature of the University, and it once again reminds us that the University of Maryland attracts, nurtures and launches national leaders."

- University President C.D. Mote, Jr.

The Board of Trustees of the Rochester Institute of Technology

(RIT) announced the appointment of William W. Destler as its ninth president, effective July 1. Destler is current UM provost and a former Clark School dean (1994-1999).

For the past 34 years--his entire professional career--Destler worked for the University of Maryland, first as a post-doctoral research scholar, then as a faculty member of electrical engineering and subsequently rising through the administrative ranks from department chair, Clark School dean, and three vice presidential positions -- interim vice president for advancement, vice president for research and dean of the Graduate School and, since 2001, as senior vice president for academic affairs and provost.

"Bill has great talent, integrity, and an uncommon understanding of the best interest of this remarkable institution," said UM President C.D. Mote, Jr. "The University of Maryland can also take great pride in Bill's appointment at RIT for it reflects greatly the academic distinction and national stature of the University, and it once again reminds us that the University of Maryland attracts, nurtures and launches national leaders."

Published March 14, 2007