Dr. Richard A. Tapia, known for his passion in promoting diversity in education, is the director of the Center of Excellence and Equity in Education as well as the Empowering Leadership Alliance. The Los Angeles native is a mathematics professor at Rice University, and is the author of more than 80 mathematical research papers. Some of his accolades include: National Medal of Science from President Obama (2011), Maxfield-Oshman Professorship in Engineering (2005), and 50 Most Important Hispanics in Technology and Business (2005).
| Year | Honorable Mention |
| 2011 | National Medal of Science from President Obama |
| 2005 | Maxfield-Oshman Professorship in Engineering |
| 2005 | 50 Most Important Hispanics in Technology and Business |