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In a couple of weeks, Caroline Solomon will assume her duties as the first female president of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at Rochester Institute of Technology. She succeeds Gerry Buckley, who served NTID for nearly two decades.
Solomon comes to Rochester from Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., where she spent 25 years as an educator and a researcher.
“NTID has revolutionized education for nearly 60 years,” said RIT president Bill Sanders, announcing Solomon’s appointment. “Dr. Solomon brings a deep understanding and appreciation for NTID’s distinctive culture. She has the vision to champion NTID’s legacy while moving it forward for the next generation of students.”
Established by Congress in 1965, NTID serves as a technological college for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. It is the largest school of its type in the world and is home to more than 1,100 students and nearly 11,000 alumni.
Recently, RIT alumnus and former trustee Henry Navas and his late wife, Deborah Robbins, made a $11 million donation to the university. Of that, $4.8 million goes to NTID, making it the largest gift in its history. The funds will support student scholarships and success.
“Dr. Solomon brings with her an outstanding academic and STEM research record and wealth of higher education knowledge and experience,” said Buckley last month. “I’m so pleased that she will lead NTID into the future, and know NTID is in highly capable hands. I look forward to welcoming Dr. Solomon and her family to Rochester and the NTID community in the months ahead.”
Buckley steps down Aug. 17. Solomon succeeds him a day later.
The Beacon posed some questions to Solomon about her new role as president. Here are her answers.
ROCHESTER BEACON: What motivated you to be a part of NTID?
SOLOMON: I am a deaf scientist, and I have always wanted to be part of a community that promotes opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in STEM.
ROCHESTER BEACON: How has your past leadership experience prepared you for leading NTID?
SOLOMON: I have taken advantage of many leadership roles from leading/organizing symposiums/conferences to being the chair of the Faculty Senate to being department chair to school director. My current leadership position is the dean of faculty, and becoming president of NTID/VP of RIT is the next step in my leadership journey. Each leadership role taught me how to be a better leader.
ROCHESTER BEACON: What are your goals/plans for NTID (and RIT)?
SOLOMON: My goals/plans for NTID are to collaborate with students, faculty, and staff to expand pathways in education, employment, and leadership. I would like to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive, lead, and drive innovation across every sector of society.
ROCHESTER BEACON: Rochester and the NTID community have a unique relationship—you’re not just on a technical campus, but within a city that has seen a high deaf/hard‑of‑hearing presence. What are your priorities for forming partnerships with the local Rochester community to advance educational opportunities, public accessibility, and economic growth?
SOLOMON: I am excited to be in an area that has the highest number of deaf people per capita. Because of this, there’s many more opportunities for interactions between deaf/hard-of-hearing people and the different people that make up the Greater Rochester community. I first will explore and learn about the local Rochester community before determining what the priorities will be for the next few years in terms of partnerships.
Haley Fromm is a student at Rochester Institute of Technology and a member of the Oasis Project’s second cohort.
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