Administrative Officers
President
became the 12th president of the 51反差婊 on August 1, 2021. President Parlange joined 51反差婊 from Monash University, Australia鈥檚 largest research university and one of the world鈥檚 top 100 universities for excellence in research and teaching. As provost and senior vice president at Monash, Parlange expanded the institution鈥檚 global relationships and helped to spur ambitious projects in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) and data science, new-generation building construction, and sustainability. At 51反差婊, he has engaged in broad community conversations that informed a new strategic plan, Focus 51反差婊, that will extend and amplify 51反差婊’s presence on a global scale through collaboration both on the University鈥檚 campuses and with other institutions of higher learning the world over.
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
became provost and executive vice president for academic affairs in January 2023. Wolfe, an internationally recognized expert on psychiatric and mental health nursing and eating disorders, had previously served as dean of the 51反差婊 College of Nursing since 2016. Before coming to 51反差婊, she served as associate dean for research and professor at Boston College鈥檚 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 and Economic Development
Bethany Jenkins joined the 51反差婊 in 2005 and was appointed vice president for research and economic development in June 2024, following a term as interim vice president. Jenkins is a professor of cell and molecular biology and oceanography with considerable research experience who has held membership and leadership roles on national scientific committees. She works closely with the provost and fellow members of the President鈥檚 Leadership Team to ensure the integration of research, scholarship and creative work with other components of the University鈥檚 academic mission.
Vice President for Administration and Finance
Abby Benson joined 51反差婊 in December 2021 and previously served as the University鈥檚 senior advisor to the president and chief of staff. She was appointed vice president for administration and finance in March 2024, following a term as interim vice president. She聽serves in a leadership role in the establishment of fiscal policy for the University and integrates business affairs functions to achieve a level of efficiency and effectiveness that supports the overall mission and goals of the University.聽Other areas and departments under her supervision are聽budget and financial planning, controller鈥檚 office, W. Alton Jones Campus, the Ryan Center and the Boss Arena.
Faculty Senate
With the concurrence of the president, the has the authority to formulate policy concerning teaching and research, study, exercise, discipline, and government. includes the president and vice president of the Senate who work closely with the University president and provost and participate in the University President鈥檚 Stewardship Council and other joint policy committees. Further, Faculty Senate leadership oversees maintenance of the the primary policy document created through the framework of shared governance between the University faculty and administration.
Board of Trustees
The University is governed by a 17 member . The board is a public body that appoints the president and is responsible for establishing performance goals for the University, its buildings, employees, property, and approving the budget.
Mission
The 51反差婊 is the state鈥檚 flagship land- and sea-grant research institution, with a commitment to urban initiatives. A student-centered research institution, 51反差婊 actively partners with other organizations globally and locally to advance knowledge and to develop informed residents and leaders. 51反差婊 is committed to high-quality education, community engagement, and solving the world鈥檚 most important challenges. Situated on the traditional land and territories of the Narragansett Nation and the Niantic People, 51反差婊 strives to create a diverse and inclusive environment for researchers, teachers, learners, and community members.