Leadership transition: Congratulations to Dr. James Watters
Dear RIT community,
I write today to share that Dr. James Watters will be stepping down from his role as Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration, and Treasurer, effective June 30, 2026, as part of a long-term planned transition. For nearly 30 years, Jim has been a trusted steward of RIT’s resources and a tireless champion for our mission. I sincerely thank Jim for his dedication and tireless work for RIT, and more personally, for being a guide and friend during my transition to the president position. Jim’s accomplishments at RIT are many, and I can only list a few of them in this note.
Jim has led a division that supports the work of nearly 900 employees and 1,500 student workers; managed our $1.2 billion annual operating budget and $337 million capital budget; overseen our $1.4 billion endowment and $400 million of working capital portfolios; and ensured the strength of our public debt portfolio. These are extraordinary responsibilities, and Jim has carried them with skill, integrity, innovation, and care.
Jim’s influence extends across the globe. As vice chair of RIT’s Global Delivery Corporation, he has helped guide our international campuses in Dubai; Zagreb and Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Pristina, Kosovo. He serves as chairman of the RIT Croatia Board of Trustees and as a trustee for RIT Dubai’s Board of Trustees, strengthening RIT’s presence and reputation worldwide. Closer to home, Jim’s commitment to community is evident through his service on several non-profit and for-profit boards, including the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Broadstone Net Lease, and Canandaigua National Bank.
Jim’s work often went beyond his job title. In 2017, he received the Four Presidents Distinguished Public Service Award for his leadership with numerous charities and nonprofit organizations. In 2005, he was named an RIT “Diversity Trailblazer.” Jim brought to RIT a deep foundation in higher education and administration, earning his bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh and building a respected career there before joining our university in 1997
Please join me in congratulating Jim on his many accomplishments and in thanking him for his exemplary leadership and partnership. Jim will take a sabbatical starting in July 2026 and assist in working with the RIT Global Delivery Corporation.
To ensure a thoughtful and comprehensive process for this leadership transition, the university has retained a leading national external search firm — Issacson, Miller — to assist in recruiting the next Senior Vice President. I plan to name a search advisory committee soon and will share additional details about the search— including timeline and opportunities for campus input— as they become available.
Jim, on behalf of the entire RIT community, thank you for propelling the university to become one of the nation’s leaders in higher education! We wish you every success in your next chapter.
Sincerely,
Bill
