Dorothy Phillips has made history as the first Black woman to serve as president of the American Chemical Society (ACS). Her new role comes at a time when she is committed to advancing inclusivity and inspiring the next generation of scientists. Phillips’ journey, filled with groundbreaking achievements, reflects her determination and passion for the sciences.
A History of Breaking Barriers
Growing up in Nashville, Tennessee, Phillips had big dreams from an early age. At 12 or 13, she envisioned becoming president of the United States. Raised in a faith-driven household as the third of eight children, Phillips experienced the challenges of segregation firsthand. However, her exposure to the civil rights movement through her brother, a participant in the Nashville Sit-Ins, shaped her perspective and determination to succeed.
After high school, Phillips attended Tennessee State University before transferring to Vanderbilt University, where she made history by becoming the first Black woman to earn an undergraduate degree in 1967. She followed this achievement with a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Cincinnati, once again breaking barriers as the first Black woman to earn this distinction. Phillips’ doctoral research focused on the protein structure of the RNA virus R17, further establishing her expertise in biochemistry.
A Career Devoted to Chemistry and Community
Phillips’ professional journey took her to Dow Chemical, where she began working in 1974. There, she contributed to groundbreaking research in central chemistry and became deeply involved in her community in Midland, Michigan. She and her husband James, also a chemist, raised their three children in a town that was beginning to diversify. Phillips played a pivotal role in the Midland Black Coalition, providing support and creating cultural spaces for Black families in the area.
Her career continued to flourish at Waters, a company where she worked for 29 years, before retiring in 2013. Despite her retirement, Phillips remained an active figure in the chemistry community, serving on the board of directors of the ACS for nine years before becoming the president-elect in 2024.
Advocating for Inclusivity in Science
As the president of the ACS, Phillips is focused on increasing diversity and inclusion within the chemistry community. Her presidential theme centers on “building chemistry careers inclusively,” emphasizing the need to engage and support industry members while making science more accessible to young people.
“I want to help ACS continue to embrace and engage its industry members,” Phillips says. “But the big thing is to be a catalyst for young people and aspiring scientists.” She advocates for affordable pathways into the sciences, pointing out that many young people who cannot afford a traditional four-year degree can still find meaningful careers in STEM fields through two-year programs.
Phillips’ vision is aligned with the ACS’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect (DEIR), and she is proud of the progress made in these areas. The ACS has partnered with organizations like the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) to support Black chemists and chemical engineers.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Looking back at her achievements, Phillips is grateful for the path that has led her to this point. “I feel blessed,” she says. “The fact is, I have walked a path with God that has led me to this point, so I have to be there for other young people to let them know they can achieve against all odds.”
Phillips’ leadership at the ACS marks a new chapter in her remarkable career, and her story is one of resilience, dedication, and a strong commitment to making science accessible to all.
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