Wilmington College’s Sigrid Solomon will be the featured honoree at the African American Awareness Research Council (AAARC) and the Highland County District Library's annual Black History Month program on Feb. 21 in Hillsboro.
Solomon has served as the College’s vice president/chief student affairs officer and dean of students since 2007. She is known for fostering meaningful relationships with students, building inclusive campus communities and ensuring that every individual feels welcomed, supported and valued.
Solomon is also being recognized for reaching beyond her professional responsibilities to welcome students into her home for meals, conversation and encouragement. Her colleagues describe her as an “accomplished and transformative leader” with extensive experience in institutional growth, fiscal management and effective supervision. She is the second WC employee to be honored by the AAARC in recent years, Art Brooks, the retired founding director of multicultural affairs, received that recognition several years ago.
“Being in a league with Art Brooks is a blessing and honor,” she said, noting her gratitude for the African American Awareness Research Council in recognizing her contributions. “Much of what I do encompasses a listening ear, a passionate heart and a collaborative spirit, being responsive to today’s world and enduring for tomorrow.” Indeed, she regularly tells students, “Dream big, work hard, transform into the best version of yourself and be intentional about the legacy you leave.”
A native of Brooklyn, New York, Solomon holds a Bachelor of Science in industrial and labor relations from Cornell University, a master’s in adult education from East Carolina University and a doctoral degree in educational leadership from Ashland University. She has worked in higher education since 1993 at such institutions as North Carolina State University, North Carolina Wesleyan College, Emory & Henry College and Southern Vermont College before coming to Wilmington College.
Coinciding with the Black History Month honor, Solomon was recently appointed as chair of the Rotary International Joint Enhancing Participant Engagement Committee for the 2026–27 year, which complements her position as the Zones 30/31 VIP experience coordinator. Indeed, she has a multiple-decade history of service and leadership with the international service organization, and has been an exemplar of Rotary’s mission of “Service Above Self.”
Among the multitude of leadership positions she has held for Rotary are district governor, president of Wilmington A.M. Rotary Club and International Assembly training leader, to name only a few. She stated that, “Rotary’s greatest strength as an organization lies in our members, dedicated individuals who bring vision, skills and passion to every endeavor. Engaging members in meaningful service projects, fostering mentorship across generations and cultivating a sense of belonging are essential for sustaining Rotary’s impact.”
Solomon values her family time with her sons and granddaughter, her partner, former foster children and a wide circle of friends.Solomon Will Be Honored for Service and Leadership at Area Black History Month Observance
Sigrid Solomon helps recognize the 2025 recipients of the Robert E. Lucas Leadership Award at last spring's Honors Convocation.