Flavia S. Fleischer selected to lead NTID as the institution welcomes a historic new dean

Rochester, New York – A new chapter is about to begin at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) as higher education leader and Deaf studies scholar Flavia S. Fleischer has been selected to serve as the college’s next dean following a nationwide search process.

The appointment was announced by NTID President Caroline Solomon and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Prabu David. Fleischer will officially assume her new role on Aug. 1, bringing with her years of academic leadership, research experience, and advocacy within Deaf education.

The selection is notable not only because of Fleischer’s extensive professional background, but also because she becomes the first Deaf woman to serve as dean of NTID, one of the world’s leading institutions dedicated to educating deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

Fleischer arrives at NTID after serving as chair and professor of the Department of Deaf Studies at California State University, Northridge. Throughout her career, she has held a variety of leadership and teaching positions that have centered on advancing Deaf education and expanding opportunities for students.

Her previous roles include coordinating the American Sign Language and Deaf Studies program at Utah Valley University. She also served as American Sign Language faculty and program chair at the College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, California, as well as American Sign Language faculty and program coordinator at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, California.

University leaders pointed to both her academic credentials and student-focused approach as key reasons behind her selection.

“Dr. Fleischer stood out among an impressive field of candidates because of her expertise in Deaf education and her deep commitment to students,” Solomon said. “She understands that NTID’s success lies in its dedicated faculty and the vibrant, diverse student community they support. Her leadership will be instrumental in evolving our academic programs to meet the demands of a changing workforce, ensuring our students graduate with both the technical skills and the confidence to lead in their chosen fields.”

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The appointment comes at a time when colleges and universities across the country are adapting to changing workforce demands and shifting educational expectations. NTID leaders believe Fleischer’s experience will help position the institution to continue preparing students for successful careers in an increasingly competitive environment.

David emphasized the importance of maintaining NTID’s reputation as a leader in deaf and hard-of-hearing education while continuing to strengthen academic excellence.

“We are delighted that Dr. Fleischer will serve as the next dean of NTID,” said David. “As the landscape of higher education evolves, her focus on faculty empowerment and academic excellence will ensure that NTID remains the gold standard for preparing deaf and hard-of-hearing students for career success.”

Beyond her administrative experience, Fleischer has built a strong reputation as a researcher and scholar. She has authored numerous publications related to Deaf education and has presented her work at conferences across the United States. Her contributions have helped advance conversations about educational access, language development, and opportunities for Deaf learners.

Among her recent accomplishments is serving as co-principal investigator on a $1.25 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs. The project focuses on strengthening the pipeline of educators who work with Deaf students, addressing a critical need within the field.

Her leadership has also extended beyond the classroom and university administration. Fleischer previously served as vice president of the California Association of the Deaf and as commissioner of the Commission on Inclusion and Diversity Initiatives at California State University, Northridge. These roles further demonstrated her commitment to representation, equity, and educational advancement.

For Fleischer, the opportunity to lead NTID represents a chance to contribute to an institution she has long respected.

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“I am thrilled to join RIT/NTID and serve a community I have long admired for its innovation, creativity, and academic rigor,” said Fleischer. “I look forward to working closely with our talented faculty and staff to ensure that every student has the tools, mentorship, and opportunities to turn their passions into impactful careers.”

Her educational background reflects a lifelong commitment to Deaf studies and language research. Fleischer earned both her doctoral and master’s degrees in ASL linguistics from Gallaudet University. She also holds a master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies in linguistics, Deaf culture, and special education from California State University, Northridge, along with a bachelor’s degree in history from Gallaudet University.

As she prepares to take office in August, many within the NTID community will be watching closely as Fleischer begins shaping the institution’s future. With decades of experience in education, research, leadership, and advocacy, university officials believe she is well positioned to guide NTID into its next era while continuing its longstanding mission of empowering deaf and hard-of-hearing students to succeed academically, professionally, and personally.