Crystal Williams

Dear RISD Community,

Each year, RISD’s Board of Trustees convenes at least three times for scheduled meetings. These meetings support the ongoing work of the board’s committees that helps advance RISD’s mission and vision, set policies, and provide organizational insight. 

In addition to routine business of the college, trustees engaged with members of the cabinet to hear updates on RISD’s financial position, the strategic planning process, developing plans at the RISD Museum around upcoming exhibitions and using objects in the collection in teaching and learning. Trustees also heard more about the latest plans for RISD’s 150th anniversary. 

Highlights of the fall meeting included a student engagement lunch, where club leaders and Alliance Officers joined the trustees and cabinet members to discuss the work of their organizations and how it is enhancing their educational experience. Trustees also heard from selected faculty about their creative practices, ranging from the impact of artworks on encounters in social space to the intersection of design and craft, culture, and material history. Trustees also learned about the career path of a Graphic Design alum who graduated in 1960. They shared how their RISD education influenced their work as a lawyer, as they were able to design the expansion of their law firm’s physical spaces across New England and New York. 

It is always a pleasure to welcome the Board of Trustees to campus. Their work ensures RISD fulfills its mission sustainably and judiciously. We are grateful for their dedication and commitment to our institution and its profound impact on the future we co-create. 

Sincerely,

Crystal Williams (she/her)
President

Dear RISD Community, 

I write to share the news of Amanda Clark MacMullan’s departure as Vice President of Institutional Advancement. Amanda has decided to step down by the end of the calendar year to focus on her health and family.

While we will deeply miss her leadership, we respect her decision and send our very best wishes for her journey ahead.

Throughout her time at RISD, Amanda’s expertise, professionalism, and unwavering enthusiasm for our mission, programs, and community have made a lasting impact. As we celebrate our 150th year, her spirit, commitment, and the strategic direction she has laid will continue to resonate within our school and positively impact RISD’s future. We are grateful for the momentum of success that her leadership has created, and we thank her for her dedication.

More personally, working with Amanda in these last years has been a professional highlight for me and many of those who have worked with her. Her perspective, insight, expertise and depth of knowledge, interpersonal acumen, and humor have not only been delightful but a great gift. I will miss her among us, leading our fundraising and engagement efforts and most recent successes.  

In light of this transition and to ensure we do indeed continue to build on the strategies and successes Amanda has laid, we are collaborating with a search firm to begin the process of finding a new Vice President of Institutional Advancement, and I will soon announce a small, nimble search committee. In the immediate term, we will seek to identify and appoint an interim leader who will work closely with Amanda and the IA Department. Together, we will ensure our 150th anniversary plans continue smoothly and that the momentum of RISD’s fundraising efforts remains strong.

Thank you for your understanding and support during this time of change. Let us honor Amanda’s contributions and look forward to the continued growth of our vibrant RISD community during this 150th year.

Warm regards,

Crystal Williams (she/her)
President

Dear RISD Community,

As we begin celebrating RISD’s 150th anniversary, I write to remind you that we have launched the Presidential Fund for Campus Projects. Applications for the fund are now open and will be accepted on a rolling basis. We invite proposals for the entirety of the 2026–27 academic year, with the first review deadline of October 1, 2026 fast approaching. 

Students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to apply for monetary support to realize events, activations, and other activities that strengthen our community’s connection to RISD’s notable past and its bright future. As we write RISD’s next chapter, I hope these campus community projects will inspire you to activate RISD’s collective “brain” and to share your talent and creativity with each other. 

Projects ranging from publications, lectures and discussions, or celebratory gatherings are welcomed, and proposals should center what RISD means to you. Proposals will be reviewed by a team representing the RISD community, from students, faculty, staff across departments and administrative partners, as well as alums. Projects that bring multiple departments, disciplines, or constituencies together are especially encouraged. Learn more about RISD’s 150th anniversary and activities at risd.edu/150. 

I look forward to being in community with you all at the Campus Community Welcome Reception on Wednesday at Market Square. 

Sincerely,

Crystal Williams (she/her)
President