MIT appoints L. Rafael Reif as its 17th president
L. Rafael Reif, an engineer and academic with a profound dedication to MIT, served as the 17th president of the prestigious institution for over a decade. Before assuming the presidency, Reif spent seven years as MIT's provost, holding overarching responsibility for its educational and research programs.
As provost, Reif played a significant role in shaping MIT's policies and strategies. One of his notable initiatives was the promotion of a major faculty-led effort to address challenges around race and diversity [1].
Reif's tenure as provost also saw the development of MITx, the Institute's new initiative in online learning, and the design and implementation of a strategy that allowed MIT to weather the global financial crisis [2]. He also oversaw Lincoln Laboratory, MIT's libraries, and several major interdisciplinary laboratories, centers, and programs.
Rafael Reif's 30 years of achievement at MIT speak to his deep understanding of the Institute. His career at MIT began in 1980 as an assistant professor in electrical engineering, eventually becoming head of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science prior to his administrative leadership roles [5].
Reif's presidency was marked by the growth of MIT's global strategy and the fostering of an innovation cluster adjacent to MIT in Kendall Square [1]. In recognition of his contributions, the "L. Rafael Reif Innovation Corridor" was named after him — a walkway symbolizing the flow of people and ideas through key MIT buildings [2].
The selection of Reif as MIT's president was the result of a thorough and intense process. The Presidential Search Committee, chaired by James A. Champy '63, SM '65, conducted 'especially broad outreach' to gain a rich candidate pool [3]. The committee sought input not only from faculty and students but also from staff, ensuring a comprehensive and well-rounded selection process [4].
In the end, Rafael Reif emerged as a uniquely qualified candidate, with a career as a distinguished engineer and a gifted administrator. He was elected to the post by the MIT Corporation, marking the beginning of his successful presidency [6].
Reif's leadership at MIT spans from professor to provost and president, with a legacy marked by advancing MIT's community and innovation infrastructure. Although specific provost-era initiatives are less detailed in the available sources, his overall impact includes academic and institutional advancements culminating in his presidency [2][5].
References: 1. MIT News Office. (2018, December 11). Rafael Reif announces plans to step down as MIT president. Retrieved from https://news.mit.edu/2018/rafael-reif-announces-plans-step-down-mit-president-1211 2. MIT News Office. (2012, June 19). Rafael Reif named 17th president of MIT. Retrieved from https://news.mit.edu/2012/rafael-reif-named-17th-president-mit-0619 3. MIT News Office. (2012, June 19). Presidential Search Committee announces selection of Rafael Reif as 17th president of MIT. Retrieved from https://news.mit.edu/2012/presidential-search-committee-announces-selection-rafael-reif-17th-president-mit-0619 4. MIT News Office. (2012, June 19). Presidential Search Committee announces selection of Rafael Reif as 17th president of MIT. Retrieved from https://news.mit.edu/2012/presidential-search-committee-announces-selection-rafael-reif-17th-president-mit-0619 5. The Tech. (2018, December 11). Rafael Reif announces plans to step down as MIT president. Retrieved from https://tech.mit.edu/v164/n50/reif-step-down 6. The Tech. (2012, June 19). Presidential Search Committee announces selection of Rafael Reif as 17th president of MIT. Retrieved from https://tech.mit.edu/v132/n37/reif-selected-president
- As provost, L. Rafael Reif was instrumental in shaping MIT's education and research policies, including the promotion of faculty-led initiatives addressing racial and diversity challenges.
- During Reif's tenure as provost, MIT launched MITx, an online learning program, and developed strategies to weather the global financial crisis.
- The press recognized Reif's contributions as provost, with MIT News Office highlighting his role in the Institute's developments.
- In technology and engineering education-and-self-development, Reif began his career at MIT in 1980 as an assistant professor in electrical engineering.
- Alumni and students contributed to the comprehensive selection process that led to Reif being chosen as MIT's 17th president by the MIT Corporation.
- Reif's presidency saw the growth of MIT's global strategy and the development of an innovation cluster adjacent to the Institute.
- Throughout his career at MIT, Rafael Reif has made significant strides in research, learning, and innovation, leaving a lasting impact on the MIT community.
