Overview
The David T. Kearns Center for Leadership and Diversity was first established at the University of Rochester in 2002. Since its inception, the center has worked to expand the educational pipeline through the doctoral degree for low-income, first-generation college, and underrepresented students. The center has grown and expanded over the years and in 2017, was named the academic home for first-generation college students, by then, Dean Richard Feldman.
The center focuses on the creation of replicable and scalable educational models that will increase the number of low-income and historically underrepresented individuals pursuing undergraduate, graduate, and professional education.
The center is named after David T. Kearns, a Rochester native who graduated from the university in 1952. Kearns worked as Chairman and CEO of Xerox Corporation in the 1980’s and was appointed the first United States Deputy Secretary of Education in the early 1990’s. Kearns was a University Board of Trustees member and chaired the board from 1978 to 1985. Kearns died in 2011 at the age of 80. Read more about Kearns legacy.
Our Programs
The center provides educational guidance, scholarships, and support services to students through six different programs, three supporting high school students in the pre-college space and three supporting college students in the undergraduate space.
- TRIO Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program (Since 1992)
- TRIO Student Support Services Program (Since 2020)
- Kearns Scholars Program (Since 2002)
- TRIO Upward Bound Classic (Since 2007)
- TRIO Upward Bound Math/Science (Since 2007)
- TRIO Educational Talent Search (Since 2016)
In addition to the programs administered through the center—TRIO programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), the Kearns Center also supports the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Our Mission
The Kearns Center’s mission is transforming lives through educational opportunity, and each member of the team strives to achieve that mission every day. Each staff member who works at the Kearns Center is committed to all students’ success and will work to provide students with the guidance, resources and support they need as they navigate their journey in higher education.
Find Our Office
The Kearns Center is located on the fourth floor of Dewey Hall. The main space of the Kearns Center is called the living room, a space where students can hang out, share a meal together, study or work on a project. The center also has its own computer lab, a book lending library and a classroom that was recently renovated in 2024.
Contact Our Team
To make an appointment or to contact a member of the team, visit our staff page.
Find Us On Social
To stay up to date on what is happening at the Kearns Center, follow all of our social media pages.
