RIT President says it’s ‘an extraordinary time at RIT’

New doctoral programs. Huge opportunities in artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship. Enhanced relationships with Rochester Regional Health. Expansion at RIT Dubai … and RIT student victories over the likes of MIT, Carnegie Mellon, Cal Tech, and other globally respected universities.

Rochester Institute of Technology President David Munson delivered his annual Welcome and State of the University address Sept. 12, where he also highlighted a strong enrollment, research milestones, the initial stages of a new strategic plan, and achievements by students, faculty, and staff.

Despite challenging headwinds faced by all institutions in higher education, the president announced that RIT welcomed more than 3,100 new undergraduates this fall from 47 states and 44 countries. The incoming class boasts an average high school GPA of 93.8 and increased diversity, with 22 percent of new undergraduates identifying as African American, Latin American, or Native American.

“Our enrollment situation should be the envy of most universities across the nation,” Munson said.

The president also emphasized RIT’s growing research initiatives, noting that the university surpassed its strategic plan goal of $100 million in annual sponsored research a year early, reaching $102 million.

Munson also praised student achievements, including a record six Fulbright U.S. Student awardees and victories in various academic competitions. He also noted athletic successes, with 19 Tigers named All-American and strong performances in multiple sports.

Looking ahead, Munson outlined several initiatives:

• Launch of new Ph.D. programs in cognitive science and physics.
• Creation of an Artificial Intelligence Hub and plans to hire more than two dozen AI faculty members.
• Establishment of an Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
• Expansion of RIT’s marketing efforts to elevate the university's reputation nationally and globally.
• A presence in Los Angeles that capitalizes on RIT’s strengths in entertainment science and technology.
• Ongoing campus infrastructure improvements, including new facilities for performing arts, athletics, and research.

Munson also announced the beginning of a new strategic planning process for the next decade, inviting community involvement through concept papers, town halls, and surveys. The goal is to have a comprehensive plan ready for Board of Trustee approval by October 2025.

This was Munson’s last annual state of the university address, as he has announced he will be retiring in June 2025 after serving 40-plus years in higher education. “This is a perfect time to recruit a new president to help shape RIT's future,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to remain focused on his duties over the next year.

The address concluded with Munson expressing gratitude for the RIT community's contributions. “Together, we can continue to chart a path to an extraordinary future,” he said. “This remains an extraordinary time for RIT. Thank you all for moving this great university forward. I am honored and humbled to be your colleague.”

Read the full text of President Munson’s address.