URI names director of affirmative action, equal opportunity and diversity KINGSTON, R.I.– November 28, 2000 — University of Rhode Island President Robert L. Carothers has appointed Robert E. Gillis, vice president for human relations/minority affairs at the College of Charleston, in Charleston, S.C., to be the University’s new director of affirmative action, equal opportunity and diversity. Gillis officially joined the University on Nov. 6, and succeeds interim director, Louis Francis Jr. As director, Gillis will report to the president and serve as an educator and spokesperson at the University and in the community regarding issues of affirmative action, equal opportunity and diversity. The position also calls for Gillis to develop and oversee affirmative action/equal opportunity employment programs in compliance with government regulations, Board of Governors’ policy and the University’s goals to enhance diversity. “Robert Gillis is an experienced and committed human resources professional, with a background in mediation and dispute resolution. He understands and supports our agenda of inclusion and equity for everyone associated with URI. I know he will make a difference here,” said URI President Robert L. Carothers. Gillis comes to URI with more than 23 years of experience in human relations/personnel administration, and affirmative action administration, including 19 years of experience in higher education. Most recently, in his position at the College of Charleston, Gillis has managed diversity and intercultural communications efforts, equal opportunity, affirmative action, disabled student services, faculty and staff recruiting and an Employee Assistance Program. He has also managed conflict resolution efforts at the institution. Prior to his position at Charleston, Gillis served as director of Affirmative Action and Human Relations at Millersville University of Pennsylvania from 1984 to 1986; and Assistant to the President and Director of Affirmative Action at Clarion University of Pennsylvania from 1981 to 1984. From 1977 to 1981 Gillis served as an equal opportunity officer for the City of Springfield, Missouri. Prior to this position, he served as an academic advisor with students at the Southwest Missouri State University. Gillis holds an undergraduate degree in education and a Master of Science in counseling from Southwest Missouri State University. He is a 1997 graduate of the Harvard University Graduate School of Education’s Institute for Educational Management. Gillis is a member of the American Association for Affirmative Action; a member of the board of directors for the Carolina Low County Girl Scouts; the South Carolina Professionals for Access and Equity; and the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member and founder of the Black History Intercollegiate Consortium, which consists of seven post-secondary institutions of higher education. For Information: Linda Acciardo, 401-874-2116, Jhodi Redlich, 401-874-2116