The National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) have named Dr. Caroline M. Solomon as the next President of NTID and Vice President of RIT, following an extensive and highly competitive nationwide search. Dr. Solomon will officially begin her tenure on August 18, 2025, becoming the first woman to lead NTID since its founding in 1968.
Innivee Strategies, in partnership with Isaacson, Miller, co-led this executive search in close collaboration with a cross-campus search committee and steering committee composed of students, faculty, staff, and leaders from both NTID and RIT. The appointment marks a pivotal moment in the institution’s continued journey of leadership, innovation, and service in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.
About Dr. Caroline M. Solomon
Dr. Solomon brings over 25 years of experience in Deaf education, science, and academic leadership. A nationally respected scientist and educator, she is known for her groundbreaking work developing a science-based ASL technical sign database, as well as her passionate advocacy for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals in STEM education.
She most recently served as Dean of Faculty at Gallaudet University, where she also began her academic career as a biology instructor in 2000, rising to professor in 2011 and then dean in 2024. She holds degrees from Harvard University (BA, Environmental Science and Public Policy), the University of Washington (MS, Biological Oceanography), and the University of Maryland (PhD, Marine, Environmental, and Estuarine Sciences).
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Solomon is a Deaflympics Hall of Fame inductee and former swimmer, exemplifying leadership through both academic and personal achievement. She is a familiar face at NTID, having presented on science-related topics throughout the years, and now returns to serve as the college’s chief executive and strategic visionary.
The Search Process
The selection of Dr. Solomon followed a rigorous and inclusive process that reflected NTID’s values of excellence, representation, and community-centered leadership. The search was facilitated by Innivee Strategies and Isaacson, Miller, with the active involvement of a diverse steering committee representing both NTID and the broader RIT community.
The search team engaged with a wide range of participants– students, faculty, staff, alumni, and national leaders in Deaf education to ensure the process was rooted in shared vision and institutional priorities. From leader profile development, candidate sourcing, and to listening sessions and finalist interviews, the search emphasized alignment with NTID’s legacy and future direction.
A New Chapter for NTID
In her new role, Dr. Solomon will guide NTID’s strategic vision, academic innovation, financial operations, and external partnerships. As a Vice President of RIT, she will also help shape cross-college collaboration and university-wide initiatives to support access, equity, and excellence. She succeeds Dr. Gerry Buckley, who has served as NTID President for 15 years and will retire on August 17, 2025. The NTID and RIT communities will formally welcome Dr. Solomon this fall.
From the Innivee Strategies Team
We extend our sincere congratulations to Dr. Solomon, the RIT/NTID community, and the many individuals who contributed their time, insight, and commitment to this important process. It has been an honor to support the search for a leader who reflects the values, excellence, and aspirations of NTID’s community.
We are proud to have co-facilitated this milestone transition and look forward to Dr. Solomon’s continued leadership in shaping the future of Deaf and Hard of Hearing students and professionals.
