Crystal Williams

As our 18th president, Crystal Williams leads RISD in advancing and amplifying the power of art and design in a changing world, and fostering a campus and community that centers equity and inclusion in all we are and do.

Read Williams’ full bio

A forward-looking dream

“We are galvanized to create art and design spaces, classrooms, and practices that reflect the full breadth of human dynamism and a belief that what makes us distinct from one another is precisely our strength.”

— from President Williams’ October 7, 2022 inauguration address

Read the full inauguration address

A vision for teaching and learning

RISD President Crystal Williams poses for a group selfie with 13 students behind her

a RISD student and President Crystal Williams discuss a group of sculptural table lights on display in a gallery

R I S D President Crystal Williams looks rightward through a sunlit window

Select interviews

RISD president underscores human core of creativity in AI era

“ . . . artists and designers are inherently early adopters who continue to experiment and innovate with new tools.” (The Korea Times, May 15, 2026)

What Has 25 Rooms and Comes with the Job?

“This house deserves to be used. Its bones are profoundly solid, and gorgeous.” (The New York Times, Aug 28, 2024)

Hear more from President Williams

Community announcements

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Campus Community Welcome Reception

September 16, 2026
4–6 pm
Market Square
(between RISD Auditorium and Market House)

Please save the date for a Campus Community Welcome Reception, hosted by President Williams, to kick off the academic year! Based on community feedback and in anticipation of RISD’s 150th anniversary, we are excited to bring together students, faculty, and staff for an afternoon of community connection.

Mark your calendar and join us for food trucks, art activations, and music. Additional details and an RSVP form will follow in the coming weeks.

ESPAÑOL

Recepción de Bienvenida a la Comunidad Universitaria

16 de septiembre de 2026
4–6 pm
Market Square
(Plaze entre el Auditorio de RISD y la Casa Market)

Por favor, reserven la fecha para la Recepción de Bienvenida a la Comunidad Universitaria, organizada por la Presidenta Williams para dar inicio al nuevo año académico. A partir de los comentarios de nuestra comunidad y con miras a celebrar el 150.º aniversario de RISD, nos entusiasma reunir a estudiantes, docentes y personal para una tarde de encuentro y conexión.

Marquen sus calendarios y acompáñennos para disfrutar de puestos de comida móviles, actividades artísticas y música. Próximamente compartiremos más detalles y el formulario para confirmar su asistencia.

PORTUGUÊS

Recepção de boas-vindas à comunidade do campus

16 de septembre de 2026
16h às 18h
Praça do Mercado
(entre o Auditório da RISD e Market House)

Reserve a data para a recepção de boas-vindas à comunidade do campus, oferecida pela Presidente Williams, para marcar o início do ano letivo! Com base no feedback da comunidade e em antecipação do 150º aniversário da RISD, estamos entusiasmados por reunir alunos, professores e funcionários para uma tarde de integração na comunidade.

Reserve a data e junte-se a nós para desfrutar de food trucks, atividades artísticas e música. Mais detalhes e um formulário de confirmação de presença serão enviados nas próximas semanas.

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Dear RISD Community,

I am pleased to share that we have completed the search for our inaugural executive director of RISD Ready! Joanne Mitchell, an academic leader with rich experience in advancing student success and career readiness outcomes for emerging artists, designers, and creatives, will join RISD on August 17.

During the interview process, Joanne demonstrated a deep understanding of the importance of collaboration and relationship building in her approach to post-graduation success–in the myriad ways individuals define it. I was impressed by her creativity and sensitivity, which allowed her to successfully work with a broad range of faculty, as well as how she has engaged community partners in academic settings, all while maintaining a student-centered approach. Further, her thoughtfulness and understanding of the developmental trajectories of artists and designers, and the ways in which art and design schools significantly differ from other models of higher education, will enable her to immediately begin to advance the goals of RISD Ready! I look forward to working with such an insightful and impactful leader.

Throughout her career in higher education, Joanne has focused on advancing student success, academic effectiveness, and post-graduation success for artists and designers. As associate provost for Educational Effectiveness and Enrollment Management at Otis College of Art & Design, Joanne served on the leadership team that developed the institution’s strategic plan for career outcomes, working closely with faculty partners to strengthen connections among curriculum, mentorship, and industry experience. This work included the creation of new internship courses, which in their first year achieved 100% internship placement for enrolled students. More recently, she has focused on aligning foundational workshops and advising structures to expand students’ access to professional experiences throughout their academic journey. Joanne also brings valuable experience engaging alumni and trustees in curricular and co-curricular activities that expose students to diverse career paths. Furthermore, Joanne’s commitment to equity is evident in her experience and approach to leadership. At Otis, she co-developed and co-led a summer program to support first-generation students. Her extensive experience leading student success, retention, and assessment initiatives will serve the RISD community well.

Joanne holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Economics from Wesleyan University, a Master of Public Policy and Management from Yale University, and a Master of Fine Arts in Photography/Video from California Institute of the Arts.

RISD enlisted the expertise of WittKieffer to identify a strong pool of candidates for this national search. I would like to thank all of the staff, students, faculty, trustees, and alums who participated in this process, either through small group interviews and/or during the campus presentations. I deeply value your engagement and feedback.

I would also like to extend my gratitude and appreciation to the members of the search committee for their time and care as we completed this inaugural search.

Please join me in welcoming Joanne to the RISD community!

Sincerely,

Crystal Williams (she/her)
President

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Dear RISD Community,

As you reflect on bright and memorable moments from the academic year, I hope Commencement and Reunion Weekend serves as an exaltation of all things creative and the limitless potential in all of us. We enthusiastically congratulate the Class of 2026 as they look forward to embarking on their next adventures. And we are thrilled to welcome back alums as they reminisce and reconnect with the places and people that made their time at RISD unforgettable.

So many people across our community endeavor to make Commencement and Reunion Weekend a memorable experience for graduates, alums, families, and other attendees. We see you and thank you.

Happy Commencement and Reunion Weekend, RISD Community! I wish you all a summer of joy, rejuvenation, the company of beloveds, inspiring making, and much needed rest.

Take good care.

Crystal Williams (she/her)
President