If there was anyone in the industry who could justifiably identify as a hacker AND a painter (http://www.paulgraham.com/hp.html) it's John Maeda. I'm a proud owner of some of his art work.

I don't know the ins and outs of what has been going on with Maeda at RISD but when I heard he was going to become President there I was very confused as to why he would want such an administrative orientated role.

It's the classic example of taking a skilled craftsman, visionary ideas person, guru programmer, etc and putting them in a manager's role. They no longer can ply their craft nor are they necessarily the best person to actually perform that management/administrative function.

Granted he chose to take the role but I'm left wondering whether it was out of ego or a feeling a need to pursue career progression.