Leadership

We live in an age dominated by the digital. Amazing new technologies are constantly emerging, rapidly changing the ways we work, think, learn, exchange information, and collaborate. From our workplaces and social institutions to our homes and communities, whether we see it or not, technology touches nearly every aspect of human life.  

We believe that’s why studying liberal arts disciplines at RIT—a technical university renowned for vision and innovation—is so distinctly valuable for our students. From our legal systems and economic, political, social structures to the ways we connect, share our stories, and form our most fundamental relationships, the liberal arts are at the very heart of what it means to be human—and being human today is inextricably tied to technology. 

The RIT approach to the study of liberal arts disciplines is tech-infused and human-centered, designed to equip grads with the skills and mindset to thrive. We teach students to openly examine problems from multiple perspectives, think deeply and critically, seek inspiration, imagine new possibilities, and build both the foundational expertise and the practical skills to effect positive change. 

Perhaps most importantly, this is a place where people care passionately about advancing the common good, advocating for those whose voices need amplification and innovating for equity and social justice. Our students, faculty and staff in the College of Liberal Arts come from diverse backgrounds with a range of expertise, and our small class sizes and 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio enable us to make meaningful connections for individualized support in pursuit of academic, career, and life goals. 

As you explore and engage with the College of Liberal Arts, I welcome you to our community of brave visionaries and invite you to think big and transform your ideas of “what if” into commitments of “I will.” 

Wishing you much success. 

To strengthen our position as a leader in innovative liberal arts education in the higher education landscape of today and tomorrow, how should the RIT College of Liberal Arts focus its efforts? This is “the big question” the COLA Strategic Planning Steering Committee (SPSC) invites students, faculty, staff, and alumni to help tackle in 2026 as it endeavors to draft a five-year strategic plan for the College of Liberal Arts.

Read more about the planning timeline and process

The college's next strategic plan will build on the momentum resulting from the collaborative, community-engaged 2024-25 College of Liberal Arts Strategic Bridge Plan, which provided a focused set of strategies and tactics that moved the college forward during a period of leadership transition.

College of Liberal Arts 2024-25 Strategic Bridge Plan (pdf document)