RIT Professor Recognized for Leadership in Diversity Initiatives

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A. Sue Weisler

Richard Doolittle is this year’s recipient of the Changing Hearts and Minds Award.

A personal philosophy of diversity and tolerance characterizes Richard Doolittle’s approach to life and the regard he holds for others.

This fall, Rochester Institute of Technology Provost’s Office of Faculty Recruitment awarded Doolittle the third annual Changing Hearts and Minds Award for his leadership and commitment to diversity on campus.

The award recognizes members of the RIT community who promote and model inclusive behavior and create a supportive, encouraging environment. The award also includes $2,500 for RIT’s College of Science to further advance recruitment and retention initiatives, and $500 for Doolittle in recognition of his leadership role.

Doolittle, of Pittsford, head of the School of Life Sciences, believes academia should reflect the diversity of the private sector. The efforts of his administrative team helped to introduce a diverse group of eight new faculty members to RIT this fall in positions in biology and medical sciences.

“Larry Buckley, associate head of Life Sciences, worked an amazing number of hours, and made a significant contribution to the effort,” Doolittle says. “We share a philosophy of looking for the very best faculty and strong representation from a diverse faculty. I could not have done this without his help.”

“I’m trying to create the best possible environment for people to overachieve,” he adds. “It’s all about helping people not just to reach, but to exceed career potential.”