Rochester Institute of Technology's new president welcomed students, faculty and staff to the new academic year, while outlining his vision for the university on Friday.
David Munson says RIT is a wonderful university on a steep upward trajectory.
That's as the 28 hundred incoming freshmen are the most diverse ever, and come in with the best statistics in RIT's 188 year history.
Looking forward, Munson says his focus is on five areas: programs, people, facilities, the campus appearance and vibe, and resources.
He says building a top university is all about attracting the best people.
"We need to hire people who are better than we are. And that's hard, because we're really good," he said.
Munson told the Gordon Field House audience that in the areas of faculty, students and staff, the school needs to continue to enhance diversity.
And when it comes to facilities, he'd like a major performing arts center on campus, and explore if the school needs to improve its athletic facilities.
He also wants to see RIT become the most student-centered research university in the country.
Munson says they'll need to find the resources for his many ideas.
"Some of our resources include federal, state and industry grants and contracts. But increasingly, it's going to be the job of our faculty to go after more federal grants," he said. "We need to raise funds for endowed scholarships, endowed professorships, for program support, and yes, for facilities. With expectations from our board of trustees for my increased involvement in fundraising, I will have to balance my time effectively."
Munson says that will include what he calls a "Tiger Tour" of several cities this fall, meeting with distinguished alumni, parents and friends and engaging both current and future donors.
Munson also said he'd like to revise the school's current strategic plan, saying it likely has too many objectives.
Munson comes to RIT from the University of Michigan, where he was Dean of Engineering.