The Rhode Island School of Design’s (RISD) President John
Maeda has accepted a position as Design Partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield
& Byers in California. He will be leaving his position at the end of the
fall semester.
The Presidents of all of Rhode Island’s stellar colleges and
universities play a major role in shaping the State’s future. President Maeda
certainly did that in a positive way during his six years here.
While at the helm of RISD, applications to the school and
financial aid to students increased, which allowed the design school to boast
of more diverse classes. He brought to our State an unyielding vision that “art
and design transform our economy and bring meaning to our lives.” As the
leader of the preeminent art and design institution of higher education, he was
able to continue and enhance his forward-thinking work at how the intersection
of design, technology, and business can benefit the human experience. He has
led the charge to turn STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) into
STEAM by adding an A for Art.
Under his watch, in late 2012, Business Insider named RISD
the No. 1 design school in the world.
John Maeda leaves the school in good standing and a better place.
Through his hard work, he has made RISD a more innovative and creative college.
I personally wish him the very best in his new pursuit on the West Coast.
