In 1999, Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson became the 18th president of Rensselaer. She arrived with a vision of what a world-class education means for the 21st century. The Rensselaer Plan grew from Dr. Jackson’s vision and was implemented over the last 10 years by her commitment to transform the Institute.

With the completion of the $1.4 billion Renaissance at Rensselaer Campaign, the opening of the Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, the Computational Center for Nanotechnology Innovations, the Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center, the Center East Campus Athletic Village, and numerous other programs and platforms, Rensselaer has taken a giant leap toward the fulfillment of the most far-reaching and visionary goals of The Rensselaer Plan.

“Rensselaer is at a dramatically different place than it was ten years ago when we embarked on the Rensselaer transformation. Today, while we can all be proud of our achievements, we must rededicate ourselves to create one of the finest living and learning communities in the world at Rensselaer.”

—Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D.
President, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute