A President’s Perspective Dr. Joyce F. Brown shares insights from her two-decade tenure
What was your vision for the college when you first arrived in 1998, and how much has it been fulfilled? I am first and foremost a cheerleader for the future. When I arrived, I found a college rich in historical traditions and values, rich in student and faculty talent, and creativity. We were on the cusp of the new century; all kinds of changes were happening in the world. Student demographics were changing—the technological revolution was in full swing. It was clear to me that if we could harness all of our talent to embrace the changes, we had great potential for growth. But as a community, we really had 12 Winter 2020
to examine all we had—our strengths and weaknesses—in order for FIT to become a beacon of the future for the industries it serves. Some of that vision has been realized through a collegewide strategic planning process. But visions evolve; they are always a work in progress. You always want to achieve more. What have been your most stirring or moving or proudest moments? Where we started: transforming a place by building on its natural resources. All of the following give my heart an extra beat when I think of them, and in effect are an outgrowth of that vision. • D eveloping partnerships with MIT, Stony Brook, Brown • O pening the FIT/Infor DTech Lab and breaking new ground in the reputation and accomplishments for FIT
• Opening our Innovation Center • H iring accomplished scholars, designers, and artisans to join our faculty • A wakening the intellectual curiosity of our students to reach beyond their comfort zone to explore science and technology and marry that newfound knowledge to art and design • Commencements! • Meeting successful alums around the world • W orking within a community to invigorate experimentation, exploration of new ideas and partnerships, collaboration, and movement to new horizons • I n another vein altogether, shepherding our community after the 9/11 strikes to provide comfort and, as much as possible, a sense of safety to all, including their families
Brandon Schulman
On the occasion of FIT’s 75th anniversary, Hue sat down with Dr. Joyce F. Brown, the college’s longest-serving president, for a look back at her remarkable 20-year tenure at the college. The conversation is excerpted here. Read the full interview at hue.fitnyc.edu.
