RIT’s New-Student Convocation Speaker Offers Expertise on Academic and Student Affairs

Tom Brown will deliver the keynote address, Sept. 4

Rochester Institute of Technology’s Convocation for New Students, at 2 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 4, in the orientation tent in parking lot U, features a keynote address by Tom Brown of Thomas Brown and Associates.

A lifelong educator with a record of success in creating academic and student affairs programs that promote increased satisfaction, achievement and retention, he bases his work on an integration of theories, research findings and practical experience.

Brown has served as an educator in academic and student affairs for 27 years, most recently as the dean of advising services and special programs at Saint Mary’s College of California.

He is the managing principal of Thomas Brown and Associates, a network of nationally recognized consultants working to assist colleges, universities and other educational organizations to manage change, diversity, and increase institutional and individual effectiveness.

Brown has held numerous leadership positions in the National Academic Advising Association, served as chair of the Pre-law Advisors National Council and has earned numerous awards and recognition for his leadership and program development in the United States and abroad.

The new-student convocation also features remarks by RIT President Albert Simone, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Stanley McKenzie, Academic Senate Chair Carl Lundgren, Vice President for Student Affairs Mary-Beth Cooper and Student Government President Steve Shapiro.

A perfect opportunity to welcome new students, the convocation presents faculty in full regalia.

Founded in 1829, RIT is internationally recognized as a leader in computing, engineering, imaging, technology, fine and applied arts, and education for the deaf. RIT enrolls more than 15,000 students in 250 undergraduate and graduate programs. For the past decade, U.S. News & World Report has ranked RIT as one of the nation’s leading comprehensive universities.