Roderick Lee receives Sloan Higher Education Professional of the Year Award

July 11, 2026 - 04:45

Roderick Lee, an associate professor in the College of Information Sciences and Technology, has been named the 2026 Higher Education Professional of the Year by the Sloan Scholars Network. The award recognizes his outstanding contributions to mentoring and supporting underrepresented students in STEM fields.

Lee's work focuses on creating pathways for students from diverse backgrounds to succeed in technology and research careers. He has been instrumental in developing programs that provide academic guidance, research opportunities, and professional development for Sloan Scholars and other minority students.

The Sloan Scholars Network, which selects one recipient annually, cited Lee's dedication to fostering an inclusive academic environment and his ability to connect students with resources that help them thrive. Colleagues describe him as a tireless advocate who goes beyond traditional teaching roles to ensure students have the support they need.

Lee expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing that the real reward is seeing students achieve their goals. He plans to continue his efforts to expand access to higher education and build a more diverse pipeline of future leaders in science and technology. The award will be presented at the network's annual conference later this year.