Former Midlander Becomes First Black Woman to Lead American Chemical Society

Dorothy Phillips, a former Midland resident and Dow chemist, has been named the first Black woman president of the American Chemical Society. Raised in Nashville, Tennessee, Phillips grew up aiming for significant achievements. Her desire for high aspirations was influenced by her family’s faith and involvement in desegregation efforts. Phillips attended segregated schools and later became the first Black woman to earn an undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University in 1967. She then earned her Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Cincinnati. At Dow, she was actively involved in the Midland community, helping to found cultural organizations like the Midland Black Coalition. Phillips’ tenure as ACS president emphasizes “Inclusion and belonging” and aims to build chemistry careers inclusively, supporting diversity and lifelong learning in the field.