As is often the case, Carothers spent much of day off campus

As the most visible public figure at the University of Rhode Island, President Robert L. Carothers must spend a lot of time off campus to promote the university and represent its interests.

Carothers spent most of April 20 away from the Kingston campus, meeting with the Urban League. Carothers said it is important for him to work with political and social organizations around the state.

"We need to show up to support various minority causes," Carothers said.

Carothers said off-campus obligations make up half of his total responsibilities as president. His work off campus is especially important going into the new capital campaign, Carothers said.

As the top official, Carothers is the point man on most big fundraising deals. Carothers said he is constantly meeting with alumni to solicit donations, and soon will make a trip to California to meet with prominent URI graduates.

Carothers said he gives individual attention to the big donors, like Howard Frank, vice-chairman of Carnival Corporation, who Carothers has visited in Miami.

In other respects, Carothers said, he serves as more of a deal closer. For instance, Vice President Robert Weygand serves as the university's main representative to the Rhode Island General Assembly. Carothers said politicians or businessmen want to meet with him before a deal or project is finalized.

Carothers said he does not want to go over the head of his administrators. "I try not to go to things if I'm, in effect, duplicating," Carothers said.

For example, many students called on Carothers last year to take a position on whether student judicial hearings should be open to the public. But Carothers said that question was four levels of administration away from his desk.

"The demands on my time are pretty heavy," Carothers said. That is why the president said he has to rely on the "good people" working for him.

Carothers said some projects that he initiates, however, require his push and attention. Carothers had to lead the charge to fight the Full Time Equivalency cap and the new high school for post-adjudicated youths.

Then there are some responsibilities Carothers cannot pass off. Today he was at the president's house on Upper College Road moving lawn furniture.