RIT President Bill Destler announced on Monday morning that he will retire from that job just over a year from now, in June of 2017.
Destler made the announcement in a YouTube post, along with his wife, Rebecca Johnson, who is involved in a number of RIT activities as an Associate of the University.
The 69 year old Destler will have been on the job for 10 years when he retires, with a career in higher education that has spanned more than 40 years.
“It has been a privilege to lead RIT alongside such great students, faculty, staff and alumni,” Destler said. “I credit RIT’s transformation into one of the world’s great universities to them. I am proud to have been along for the ride.”
In a memo to the RIT community, Destler added: “These years at RIT have been the most fulfilling of my professional career. To all of you, I offer my heartfelt thanks for your friendship, for your ideas, and for your steadfast service to RIT and our students.”
Christine Whitman, chairman of the RIT Board of Trustees, said Destler has positioned RIT well for the future and that growth will continue as the 2015-2025 strategic plan is deployed.
“RIT is leading the way in preparing our diverse student body for the rewarding jobs of the future while equipping them with the skills to become good citizens of our world,” Whitman said. “Under Dr. Destler’s leadership, every measurable indicator is up. RIT is having high impact and is recognized both nationally and internationally.”
When asked by WXXI News about where he and his wife will live after retirement, Destler released this statement:
"It's still not clear where we'll settle. One option would be to return to Maryland where we still have a house, but we love Rochester so that is another possibility.”
Before coming to RIT Destler spent more than 30 years at the University of Maryland, rising to a senior vice president position.
A nationwide search for Destler's successor at RIT will begin immediately.
