College of Science named 2023 Changing Hearts and Minds Award recipient

Rochester Institute of Technology’s 2023 Changing Hearts and Minds Award has been awarded to the College of Science. The annual award recognizes success in diversifying the university’s faculty ranks and helping to advance RIT’s overall commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is sponsored by the Office of the Provost and the Office of Faculty Diversity and Recruitment.

“This year’s award goes to the College of Science for its work to create the first ever director of diversity, equity, and inclusion position within the college; the development of a College of Science Plan for DEI; and its continuing support of African American, Latino American, and Native American (AALANA) and women faculty and students through strategic hiring and mentoring,” announced Assistant Provost and Assistant Vice President for Faculty Diversity and Recruitment Torrence Sparkman.

College of Science Dean André Hudson said the award is a reflection of the college’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.

“It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the faculty, staff, scholars, and administrators over many years to foster an environment and culture to facilitate positive change,” Hudson said. “There is a lot of work to be done, but I am heartened to see that we are on an onward and upward trajectory.”

The recognition comes with a physical and monetary award, with the latter to be used in meaningful ways to further advance the college’s AALANA faculty recruitment and retention initiatives.

The award was announced during a dinner for this year’s Future Faculty Career Exploration Program.