NTID President Alan Hurwitz has been selected to become president of Gallaudet University in Washington starting Jan. 1. Hurwitz started his NTID career in 1970.
T. Alan Hurwitz, the president of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at Rochester Institute of Technology, has been selected to become the next president of Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.
Hurwitz was among the four finalists announced for the position in September. The Gallaudet Board of Trustees announced their decision today after an intensive search process culminating with in-depth interviews with each of the four candidates.
Hurwitz came to NTID in 1970 after working as an engineer and computer programmer for McDonnell-Douglas. He taught and served in various administrative positions and has headed NTID since 2003.
Hurwitz will become Gallaudet's 10th president in the university's 145-year history. His presidency will begin on Jan. 1.
RIT President Bill Destler expects to announce plans very soon for an interim president to head NTID while a national search is conducted for Hurwitz's successor.
"It is with mixed emotions I accept this new challenge," Hurwitz said. "I look forward to helping Gallaudet continue to serve its students in an environment that fosters the best educational opportunities for them. Yet I am saddened to be leaving Rochester, the home my wife Vicki and I have known for the past 40 years. We have raised our children here and have made countless friends here. The RIT/NTID community will always hold a special place in our hearts.
"I have assured President Destler that I will help the interim president make a smooth transition. I leave NTID in good hands. We've never been in better shape. Our applications continue to be strong. Enrollment is the highest it has ever been in our 42-year history. Our students are still finding good jobs upon graduation despite tough economic times. Our reputation is well regarded in Washington and throughout the nation. And our faculty and staff are dedicated, hard-working men and women who have a passion for their mission here."
Taken from www.ntid.rit.edu/media/.
