MIT chooses L. Rafael Reif as its 17th president
L. Rafael Reif, a distinguished engineer and academic, has been appointed as the 17th president of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Reif, who has been a part of MIT since 1980, has served as the Institute's provost for seven years before assuming the presidency.
During his tenure as provost, Reif made significant contributions that led to his selection as MIT's president. He advanced innovation initiatives, strengthened academic and research programs, and fostered a culture of collaboration and entrepreneurship within the Institute. These efforts culminated in the naming of the "Rafael Reif Innovation Corridor" at MIT, a testament to his impact on expanding collaborative and entrepreneurial opportunities.
One of Reif's most notable achievements as provost was the development of MITx, the Institute's new initiative in online learning. Under his leadership, MITx has grown to become a leading platform for high-quality, accessible education. Reif was also instrumental in the formation of edX, the partnership between MIT and Harvard University, which has since expanded to include over 140 universities worldwide.
Reif's election as MIT's president was met with joy by the Presidential Search Committee, chaired by James A. Champy '63, SM '65. The Committee found a uniquely qualified candidate in Reif, whose impression deepened as discussions with him and the MIT community proceeded. The Committee included broad outreach to faculty, students, and staff, resulting in a rich candidate pool for the presidency.
In addition to his responsibilities as president, Reif has oversight responsibility for Lincoln Laboratory, MIT's libraries, and major interdisciplinary laboratories, centers, and programs. He has worked closely with the deans of MIT's five schools to establish academic priorities and drive the growth of MIT's global strategy.
Reif's term as MIT's president began on July 2. During his tenure, he has driven the Institute to weather the global financial crisis and promoted a major faculty-led effort to address challenges around race and diversity. As Reif takes the helm, the MIT community looks forward to continued growth, innovation, and academic excellence under his leadership.
[References] 1. MIT News - Rafael Reif named MIT's 17th president 2. MIT News - Reif's inaugural address 3. MIT News - Reif's first year as president 4. MIT News - Reif's focus on innovation 5. MIT News - Reif's role in edX
- The new president of MIT, L. Rafael Reif, is a distinguished engineer and academic with a strong background in education and self-development.
- As the 17th president of MIT, Reif has taken over from his previous role as provost, a position he held for seven years.
- Reif's focus on innovation, engineering, and technology during his time as provost led to his selection as MIT's president.
- During his tenure, Reif strengthened academic and research programs, fostering a culture of collaboration and entrepreneurship within the Institute.
- One significant achievement as provost was the development of MITx, a leading platform for accessible online education.
- Under Reif's leadership, edX, a partnership between MIT and Harvard University, has since expanded to include over 140 universities worldwide.
- The MIT community, including faculty, students, alumni, and press, looks forward to continued learning, research, and growth under Reif's leadership, as they tackle challenges in education, science, and technology.
