List of presidents of the University of Rhode Island

The following is a list of presidents of the university of Rhode Island.[1]

President Life Tenure Events
1.
John Hosea Washburn 1859–1932 1892–1902 From 1888 to 1892, Washburn served as founding principal of the Rhode Island State Agricultural School associated with the Agricultural Experiment Station. In 1892 the school was expanded, chartered as a college, and renamed the Rhode Island College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts.[2]
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Homer Jay Wheeler
Homer Jay Wheeler
Homer Jay Wheeler (acting) 1861–1945 1902–1903 Agricultural Experiment Station Director serving as acting president[3]
2.
Butterfield Kenyon
Butterfield Kenyon
Kenyon L. Butterfield 1868–1936 1903–1906 An extension department was organized.[2]
3.
HowardEdwards
HowardEdwards
Howard Edwards 1854–1930 1906–1930 Home Economics was introduced and women were admitted to the college. First master's degrees were awarded and the fraternity system was established. In 1909, the institution was expanded and renamed Rhode Island State College.[2]
-
John Barlow-1920
John Barlow-1920
John Barlow (acting) 1872–1944 1930–1931 Named Vice-president and Dean of Men in early 1930 by President Edwards.[4]
4.
Raymond G. Bressler-1933
Raymond G. Bressler-1933
Raymond G. Bressler, Sr. 1887–1948 1931–1940 Rhode Island State College was reorganized into the School of Engineering, School of Science and Business, and School of Agriculture and Home Economics. A number of facilities were constructed including Eleanor Roosevelt Hall, Quinn Hall, Green Hall, and Meade Stadium.[2]
-
John Barlow-1920
John Barlow-1920
John Barlow (acting) 1872–1944 1940–1941 Second time as acting president during presidential transition
5.
Carl R. Woodward 1890–1974 1941–1958 Rhode Island State College was reorganized into the University of Rhode Island.[2]
6.
Francis H. Horn-1926
Francis H. Horn-1926
Francis H. Horn 1908–1998 1958–1967 URI's Graduate School of Oceanography was established.[2]
- F. Donald James (acting) 1927–2019 1967–1968 Called upon to manage the transition at a time of considerable political turmoil[5]
7. Werner A. Baum 1923–1999 1968–1973 Establishment of strong institutional ties between URI and the Department of Commerce and the newly established Environmental Protection Agency with two federal laboratories established near the Graduate School of Oceanography.[2]
- William R. Ferrante (acting) 1928–2014 1974 Provost and Vice President of Academic affairs 1972-1988[6]
8. Frank J. Newman 1926–2004 1974–1983 The general education curriculum was revised to emphasize global perspectives, and he recognized the importance of higher education in the lives of older students.[2]
- William R. Ferrante (acting) 1928–2014 1983 Second time as acting president during presidential transition
9. Edward D. Eddy 1921–1998 1983–1991 The research portfolio of the university was greatly expanded.[2]
10. Robert L. Carothers 1942– 1991–2009 The face of the university was greatly changed with numerous capital building projects.[2]
11. David M. Dooley 1952– 2009–2021 International research programs were enhanced.[2][7]
12.
Marc Parlange 1962– 2021–

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Presidents – Office of the President". Retrieved 2021-08-12.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Detailed History". Retrieved 2021-08-12.
  3. ^ Wheeler, C.O.J. (1946). Homer Jay Wheeler 1861-1945. Science 103(2687)751-752. [1]
  4. ^ Chapter 14: p. 237-238. In: Eschenbacher, Herman F. 1967. The University of Rhode Island: A History of Land Grant Education in Rhode Island. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts Division, Meredith Publishing Company. 548pp.
  5. ^ "Forrest Donald James Papers". Distinctive Collections and Archives, University of Rhode Island. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
  6. ^ "William Ferrante-obituary". Providence Journal-Legacy.com. 15 June 2014. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
  7. ^ Diane M. Sterrett (Spring 2021). "Twelve Years of Transformation". University of Rhode Island Magazine. Retrieved 17 May 2022.