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University Leadership
President
Marc B. Parlange became the 12th president of the University of Rhode Island on August 1, 2021. President Parlange comes to URI from Monash University, Australia’s largest research university and one of the world’s top 100 universities for excellence in research and teaching. As provost and senior vice president at Monash, Parlange expanded the institution’s global relationships and helped to spur ambitious projects in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and data science, new-generation building construction, and sustainability. He intends to extend and amplify URI’s presence on a global scale through collaboration both on the University’s campuses and with other institutions of higher learning the world over.
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Barbara Wolfe is an internationally recognized expert on psychiatric and mental health nursing and eating disorders, has served as dean of the URI College of Nursing since 2016. Her selection follows a broad search that drew interest from an international field of candidates. She came to URI in March 2016 after having served as associate dean for research and professor at Boston College’s William F. Connell School of Nursing. In addition to her work at Boston College, she served as a psychiatry lecturer at Harvard Medical School and president of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association.
Vice President for Research & Economic Development
The University of Rhode Island has named Bethany Jenkins, professor of cell and molecular biology and oceanography, interim vice president for research and economic development. Dr. Jenkins has served in leadership roles both at URI and on national scientific committees, including serving as a co-principal investigator on several NSF-EPSCoR grants.
Vice President for Administration and Finance
Abby Benson currently serves as Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance at the University of Rhode Island (URI). In this role, Abby oversees several key areas of the University—including facilities, risk management, human resources, budget and finance, public safety, and purchasing. Abby previously served as Senior Advisor and Chief of Staff to the President of URI.
Vice President for Student Affairs
Ellen Reynolds supervises the office of Student Life/Dean of Students, Memorial Union and Student Activities, Counseling Center, Housing and Residential Life, University Bookstore, Dining and Retail Food Services, Student Health Services, Campus Recreation, Special Programs in Talent Development and Conferences and Special Program Development and she serves as the primary spokesperson for the president on matters pertaining to the social and academic needs of students.