The search for RIT’s 11th president culminates with a pioneering and distinguished leader

The search for RIT’s 11th president began last summer, and impressive candidates from across the nation quickly expressed interest in becoming the next leader of the university.

A 25-member search committee composed of students, faculty, staff, alumni, administrators, and trustees narrowed the pool of candidates before the final selection by the Board of Trustees in December. The committee was led by Trustee and Board Chair Susan Puglia, a retired IBM vice president.

“We reviewed the background materials, including their curricula vitae, of many extraordinary and diverse candidates,” said Puglia, who was elected chair in October. “The breadth and depth of interest in the position from extremely qualified candidates was significant. The candidates were remarkable people with impressive backgrounds and a wide array of experience.”

The trustees ultimately elected William H. Sanders, the current Dr. William D. and Nancy W. Strecker Dean of Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. With 37 years of experience in higher education, Sanders is an internationally respected researcher, high-tech innovator, successful entrepreneur, and proven collaborator across the globe.

Puglia thanked members of the Presidential Search Committee for their diligent work throughout the process. The search process involved receiving input from multiple on-campus and off-campus constituent groups, including from RIT alumni volunteers across the nation. The national search firm Isaacson, Miller of Boston managed the search and worked with the committee.

RIT President David Munson is retiring in June after leading the university for eight years and capping an illustrious 40-plus-year career in higher education.

“We anticipated that the RIT presidency would be an extremely attractive position in the world of academia,” said Puglia. “We were very pleased with the process and the ultimate selection. Dr. Sanders is a pioneer and innovator with a distinguished career. He is the right leader at the right time to take the baton from Dr. Munson and continue the acceleration of our university’s amazing trajectory. This is an exciting time for RIT.”

Sanders begins July 1.