RIT names executive director of CMS

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James C. Hall

A University of Alabama director and African-American culture scholar will join Rochester Institute of Technology as the executive director of the Center for Multidisciplinary Studies.

James C. Hall, who was director of New College at Alabama and executive director of the Consortium for Innovative Environments in Learning, starts at RIT on Aug. 1.

The Center for Multidisciplinary Studies is RIT’s academic unit for individualized degrees, custom designed to meet students’ ideas, interests and career goals. The center offers three undergraduate credentials in applied arts and science; an MS degree in professional studies; and several advanced, professional certificate programs. It is the largest provider of online courses at RIT.

“The Center is poised to play an important role amongst current reform efforts in U.S. higher education,” Hall said. “I’m excited to be joining such an accomplished and caring staff at such a pivotal moment.”

Prior to the University of Alabama, Hall taught at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Hall completed his Ph.D. and MA in American studies at the University of Iowa. He has also completed a MA in religion and culture and BA in English at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario. His research and professional interests include African-American literature as well as higher education innovation and reform.

“In his new role as executive director, Dr. Hall will provide leadership for CMS, working closely with faculty, staff and administrators across campus to lead CMS and its initiatives, including serving as an advocate to students, faculty and administrators for the academic and career value of customized, multidisciplinary degrees,” said Jeremy Haefner, RIT provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs.