A Chat with RIT President David Munson |
From the importance of diverse representation to life as a retiree
RIT President David Munson believes in diversity, equity and inclusion. He says he learned a lot from one colleague in particular. It was more than three decades ago. He has never forgotten it.
We asked President Munson about that, about the future of DEI and what life will look like after he steps down as RIT’s 10th president in June 2025. We began with this question about higher education:
When it comes to diversity and inclusion, according to our website, “RIT has one of the largest divisions in the nation, housing 38 faculty and staff dedicated to the university’s core values of respect, diversity and pluralism.” In general, what does diversity and inclusion mean to you and why is it important?
President Munson:
Diversity is about numbers and representation, whereas inclusion is about culture. Due to historic short-fallings in both areas, we have work to do. Especially in STEM disciplines, there are unintentional barriers to entry and success that remain for women and underrepresented minorities. Our programs are designed to reduce these barriers through K-12 initiatives, recruitment, affinity groups, culture building, academic success initiatives, and leadership development. At the end of the day, we want for each of our students, faculty members, and staff members to have the opportunity to excel at the highest level in the paths they have chosen. The success of RIT, and more broadly the success of our nation, demands that we not sideline talent.
Can you think of any situation during your long professional career where DEI made a personal difference to you or the work with which you were tasked?
In the 1980s and 90s I was very active in the IEEE Signal Processing Society. Part of the work involved serving on various committees. This was a time when there were only a few women colleagues in my field. They were pioneers. I quickly discovered that the committee conversations were broader, more enlightening, and produced better decisions when one or more of these women were present. This was not a “result” I was expecting; I just couldn’t help but notice. One of those women served as president of the society and I later followed her in the same position. She was a trail blazer and I credit her for breaking the mold -- creating the environment that would allow for the society to dramatically change and grow. I learned so much from this special colleague. To this day, I always want to have diverse representation at the table.
At RIT, we can thank the Division of Diversity and Inclusion, NTID, and the many affinity groups associated with students of color, the LGBTQ community, women, and others for fostering the inclusive culture that we all enjoy on our campus.
While many colleges and universities like RIT remain committed to DEI programs, we cannot overlook the current debate taking place. Many institutions of higher education are rolling back their commitment to DEI initiatives, some forced to do so because of legislative measures in their respective states. How much of a threat is this and what does the future of DEI look like to you?
The roll-back and shuttering of DEI programs is occurring primarily in public universities in conservative states. I am saddened by this, but, in the State of New York, I have not sensed any reduced commitment to DEI principles. Our programs are helping to ensure that all students, faculty members, and staff members have the same opportunities regardless of their backgrounds and lived experiences. RIT has one of the largest and most comprehensive DEI programs in the nation and I don’t see that changing.
Finally, you have announced your retirement. What are just a few of the things you will miss about RIT?
It’s all about the people. For sure, I will miss the students. We have the kindest, most caring student body I have ever encountered. I enjoy the fact that our students are super creative, often quirky, and definitely nonconformist. In fact, I’m fond of saying that the thing our students have in common is that none are alike. Talk about diversity!
I also will miss the trustees, faculty, staff, and alumni who are so devoted to serving the institution and our students. I am appreciative of this entire group for supporting me and enabling some big ideas (e.g., the SHED, performing arts). In addition, I will miss the total devotion to providing a cutting-edge education to our students, even as RIT knocks on the door of R1 research status.
I must add that my wife Nancy and I have made many, many friends within the RIT community. We will miss them dearly, but we promise to come back and visit, and maybe even sit with the Corner Crew!
Fun Facts
What was your very first job?
Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Illinois. In my 24 years at Illinois, I never held an administrative post. That would not occur until I moved to the University of Michigan.
If you could be a professional athlete, in what sport would we find you?
Maybe basketball, but I would have the height of an NBA guard and the ball handling skills of a center – not the best combination! At RIT, I’ve come to love hockey and lacrosse.
What is the one thing you have “been meaning to do” but haven’t?
Head over to Watkins Glen and hike the gorge trail.
What would your friends or colleagues be surprised to learn about you?
I am not an extrovert and, in my earlier years, I had not the slightest interest in leadership opportunities. I was totally absorbed in math, science, tinkering, music, and the outdoors (just like so many RIT students!). When I retire, I plan to stay out of the limelight, spending time with family, and getting back to creative hobbies, including music, woodworking, photography, landscaping, and astronomy.