William W. Destler (born August 26, 1946) is an American university professor and administrator. He is currently serving as the 9th president of Rochester Institute of Technology and has held the position since 1 July 2007, succeeding Albert J. Simone.[1][2]
Previously, Destler was provost and senior vice president for student affairs at the University of Maryland, College Park from 2001 to 2007. He also served as a professor of electrical engineering in the college of engineering, dean of the graduate school (1999–2001), and dean of the engineering school (1994–1997) at Maryland.
Destler received his bachelor's degree from the Stevens Institute of Technology in 1968, and his applied physics Ph.D. from Cornell University in 1972. His research specialized in "high-power microwave sources and advanced accelerator technologies".[3] He is married to Dr. Rebecca Johnson (Ph.D. in psychology); they have two sons.
Destler is "one of the world’s foremost collectors of antique banjos;" the number of instruments in his collection is purportedly more than 160.[4] Destler released his only record in 1973, "September Sky". People in Asia, and specifically Korea, have recently shown an increased interest in the record.[5]
In 2010, he approved the termination of RIT's quarter system,[6] effectively switching the school to a semester system beginning in 2013. The decision was favored by the faculty and staff and endorsed by the RIT Student Government but opposed by 60% of students participating in an online poll.
| Academic offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Albert J. Simone |
President of the Rochester Institute of Technology 2007–present |
Incumbent |