TIM BAXTER, president and CEO of Samsung Electronics North America, was recently named the new chairperson for the Roger Williams University board of trustees. Baxter succeeds Richard L. Bready, the former Nortek Inc. CEO and chairman who stepped down from his position as the university’s board chairman after 11 years.
How does it feel to be the first Roger Williams University alumnus to serve as board chair? I am honored to serve as chair of the board of trustees. I have a longstanding history with Roger Williams University as an alumnus, vice president of the RWU Alumni Association, parent of a recent graduate and a member of the board. This university took a chance on me as a student and offered me many opportunities that gave me the post-graduation confidence I needed to be successful. I am committed to the success of RWU and look forward to continuing this tradition of educational excellence for the next generation of RWU students.
What are your plans for the board? I look forward to working with fellow members of the board of trustees and continuing the work Rick Bready started when he began in this role 11 years ago. RWU has a strong tradition of providing educational excellence, where students can get a high-quality education in many different fields, ranging from architecture to law. I am excited about the new developments taking place at the university. It has been growing immensely … in its education programs. I would also like to see more partnerships between RWU and industries on education initiatives that develop more collaborative and experiential learning environments for our students.
Has Samsung partnered with RWU on education initiatives? If so, can you describe what they are? In 2012, RWU and Samsung partnered to set new standards for “affordable excellence” in higher education. By developing collaborative learning environments, the initiative reduced technology costs for students in the School of Architecture, Art and Historic Preservation and the School of Continuing Studies, with access to 27-inch LED monitors, Samsung’s cloud-access technology and interactive whiteboards.
Given how much technology is ingrained in business, how vital is it for students to learn technology skills in the classroom? I do believe it is crucial for students to be exposed to a high-tech and high-impact education that allows them to be competitive and successful after graduation. Today’s incoming students are often the chief information officer of their family and are well-versed in technology as it relates to mobile devices, digital experiences and social media. The role of the university is to make sure it builds upon that.
