Caroline Solomon makes history as she becomes the first woman to lead RIT’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf in its decades-long legacy of excellence

Rochester, New York – In a milestone moment for the Rochester Institute of Technology, Dr. Caroline Solomon was formally installed as the first woman president of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) on October 10. The historic ceremony marked not only a personal triumph for Solomon, a respected scientist and educator, but also a turning point for one of the world’s leading institutions dedicated to deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

Throughout the event, there was a palpable sense of pride and hope among attendees—students, faculty, alumni, and friends—who gathered to witness a leader whose journey reflects the very ideals NTID seeks to promote: access, excellence, and empowerment.

During her inauguration address, Solomon emphasized her vision for a more connected and forward-thinking NTID, one that both honors its legacy and embraces the challenges of a rapidly changing world. She called upon the community to collaborate in preparing students not only for careers but for meaningful lives marked by purpose and innovation.

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She encouraged everyone to “prepare students for a world that needs their voices, their leadership, their moral compasses, their ability to be agile and adapt and innovate.”

A Symbol of Representation and Progress

For Solomon, stepping into this role carried deep personal and symbolic meaning. As she reflected on her path from scientist to institutional leader, she spoke candidly about what her appointment signifies to the broader community—particularly to those who have never seen themselves represented in leadership roles.

“It’s about every student who wonders if they can lead in spaces where they have never seen themselves reflected,” she said. “Your voice—whether it’s signed, spoken, written, or felt—matters deeply. Your perspective is needed. And your future is needed.”

Her words struck a chord with many in the audience, especially students who see in Solomon a role model of resilience, intellect, and authenticity.

A Career Built on Dedication and Discovery

Solomon’s academic journey began at Gallaudet University, where she joined the biology faculty in 2000 and steadily rose to the rank of professor by 2011. Her commitment to education and mentorship earned her Gallaudet’s Distinguished Faculty Award in 2013 and later the prestigious Ramon Margalef Award for Excellence in Education from the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography in 2017.

In 2024, she was appointed dean of faculty—a testament to her leadership and her ability to inspire both students and colleagues alike. Beyond academia, Solomon is also known for her athletic achievements, having competed as a swimmer in the Deaflympics and earning induction into the Deaflympics Hall of Fame in 2020.

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Her scientific career has been defined by a passion for environmental research and a commitment to opening doors for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in STEM fields. Over the years, she has presented her research around the world, building connections across disciplines and communities.

A Chorus of Support
The ceremony featured an array of speakers who praised Solomon’s professional accomplishments and her ability to lead with empathy and vision. Among them were RIT President Bill Sanders, RIT Board of Trustees Vice Chair Susan Holliday, Provost and Senior Vice President Prabu David, and several academic colleagues who have worked closely with her over the years.

“Dr. Solomon’s focus on research and teaching the STEM disciplines and her dedication to sharing her enthusiasm and excitement for the sciences with her students are what drives her and has made her such a success in classrooms, labs, on research vessels, and in remote regions throughout the world,” said Sanders. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome you to RIT and to support you in your leadership of NTID.”

The keynote address came from Carol Padden, a longtime mentor and one of the most respected voices in deaf studies. Padden, who serves as the Sanford I. Berman Endowed Chair, Distinguished Professor, and dean of the School of Social Sciences at the University of California San Diego, spoke with warmth and admiration about Solomon’s growth as a scholar and a leader.

“I had the distinct impression that you were a person of quality and integrity,” said Padden of Solomon. “You’ve charted a solid path forward from these early years to this crowning achievement. The admiration comes from how much we identify with you, as a woman, as a deaf woman, a scientist, and a humane leader, all in one. Our country needs committed leaders who will work alongside others to plan a future for our universities in this crucial time in American history.”

Looking Ahead to NTID’s Next Chapter

Since officially beginning her tenure on August 18, Solomon has expressed her desire to strengthen NTID’s role as a center for research, creativity, and social impact. Her vision includes expanding opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and ensuring that every student, regardless of communication mode or background, feels empowered to succeed.

“NTID must be more than a place where knowledge is transferred,” she said. “It must be a space where students grow as a whole person and learn to embrace civil discourse. We will deepen our partnerships beyond the walls of this campus because our impact must extend into our communities, both here and around the world.”

Her words encapsulated a clear message: NTID’s mission extends far beyond academics. It is about nurturing leaders who will shape industries, influence policy, and redefine what accessibility and inclusion look like in the modern world.

As Solomon begins her presidency, the energy across the NTID community suggests a readiness to embrace her forward-thinking leadership. For many, her appointment represents not only progress in representation but also a renewed confidence in the institute’s future.

With her deep roots in science, her lifelong advocacy for the deaf community, and her unwavering belief in the power of education, Caroline Solomon is poised to lead NTID into an era of transformation—one where innovation and inclusion are inseparable, and where every student’s voice truly matters.