Distinguished Professor Sherry Perry Tshibangu named next Minett Professor at RIT

Sherry Perry Tshibangu, Distinguished Professor and experienced small-business owner, has been announced as the next Frederick H. Minett Professor at Rochester Institute of Technology for the 2023-2024 academic year.

The Minett Professorship brings distinguished Rochester-area multicultural professionals to the RIT campus to share professional knowledge and experience, emphasizing the connections between education and industry while highlighting the value of diversity. The position is an annual appointment with the honoree selected by the Minett Professors Emeritus and appointed by RIT President David Munson and Vice President and Associate Provost for Diversity and Inclusion Keith Jenkins.

“We are proud to announce Sherry Tshibangu as our next Minett Professor and to continue to bring diverse, experienced professionals to RIT,” said Jenkins. “Her impact in the Rochester community and her student-centric approach will be a true asset to all students, faculty, and staff.”

Tshibangu was a Distinguished Professor emerita of business and entrepreneurship at Monroe Community College and is owner of Innovative Business Advisors, which supports organizations and small-business owners with developing strategies to achieve business goals. Prior to those positions, she worked in finance and business for Xerox Corp. and was the director of community impact at the United Way of Greater Rochester.

“I am deeply honored to serve as the next Minett Professor,” said Tshibangu. “I aspire to raise awareness about the Rochester City Scholars program, provide mentoring, and offer workshops for students. Serving as the Minett Professor will not only enable me to contribute to the RIT community but also to provide a valuable opportunity for me.”

Throughout her time at MCC, Tshibangu has led and developed numerous entrepreneurial initiatives to help entrepreneurs grow successful business endeavors. She has received various awards for her dedication and support of her students. Outside of campus, she is involved in civic organizations aimed at bettering the Rochester community.

Tshibangu follows distinguished attorney T. Andrew Brown, who served in the position for the 2022-2023 academic year. Others who have held the role include many prominent business, academic, medical, and law enforcement professionals working in Rochester.

The professorship is named after one of RIT’s early benefactors, Frederick Minett, who started a tool and die company on Water Street in downtown Rochester in the early 1920s. He was familiar with RIT, formerly called the Mechanics Institute, and employed some students. Minett died in 1971, leaving a more than $5 million endowment to RIT. Originally divided between RIT’s College of Continuing Education and the general endowment, the bequest was intended to support Minett’s and RIT’s vision of career education.

“I look forward to collaborating with administrators to define my scope of work and make a meaningful impact,” added Tshibangu.