William W. Destler

Who is William W. Destler?

William Wallace Destler is an American university professor and administrator. He is currently serving as the 9th president of the Rochester Institute of Technology and has held the position since July 1, 2007, succeeding Albert J. Simone.

Previously, Destler was provost and senior vice president for student affairs at the University of Maryland, College Park from 2001 to 2007. He also served as a professor of electrical engineering in the college of engineering, dean of the graduate school, and dean of the engineering school at Maryland.

Destler received his bachelor's degree from the Stevens Institute of Technology in 1968, and his applied physics PhD from Cornell University in 1972. His research specialized in "high-power microwave sources and advanced accelerator technologies". He is married to Rebecca Johnson; they have two sons.

Destler is "one of the world’s foremost collectors of antique banjos;" the number of instruments in his collection is purportedly more than 160. Destler is also an amateur folk musician and is a founding member of the Baltimore Folk Music Society. Destler released his only record in 1973, "September Sky".