[2][3] Previously, Destler was provost and senior vice president for student affairs at the University of Maryland, College Park from 2001 to 2007.

Destler received his bachelor's degree from the Stevens Institute of Technology in 1968, and a Ph.D. in applied physics from Cornell University in 1972.

He sang with them on Sharon Mountain Harmony on the Folk Legacy label and their self produced album Rock Creek.

[7] In an email to the entirety of the Rochester Institute of Technology, Destler announced his retirement from the presidency of RIT effective June 30, 2017.

[8] He was succeeded by David C. Munson who was previously the Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering at the University of Michigan, where he served two 5 year terms.