The University of Rhode Island Board of Trustees recognizes that few milestones have more significance in the life of a university than the selection of and transition to a new president.
“The Board is committed to a smooth transition for our incoming president Marc Parlange, and one that results in the building of vital connections and relationships with faculty, staff, students, and alumni,” said Margo Cook, chair of the URI Board of Trustees.
Cook appointed a Presidential Transition Committee at the end of March 2021 to help plan and guide the process through the first year. The committee’s charge is to support the immediate and long-term success of the incoming president. Composed of faculty, staff, alumni and trustees, the Transition Committee will update the community at key milestones during the year.
“Plans are taking shape and we want everyone to have ample opportunities to interact with incoming President Parlange when he arrives August 1,” Cook said. “Outreach to the broader community of government, education, business, and civic leaders will also be important throughout the first six months.”
Mike McNally, vice chair of the URI Board of Trustees and chair of the Presidential Transition Committee, says that while “Marc is learning about URI — its history, culture and challenges — he will also be sharing with all of us his hopes for URI’s future.”
The Transition Committee finalized plans for a formal acknowledgment of our 11th president, David M. Dooley, in appreciation of his 12 years of distinguished service and dedication to the University. The Board will recognize President Dooley and Lynn Baker-Dooley at its meeting on June 25.
Members of the Committee are:
Linda Acciardo, Interim Executive Director,
External Relations and Communications
Temidayo Akinjisola, URI Alum, Class of 2017
Thorr Bjorn, Director of Athletics
Kathy Collins, Vice President for Student Affairs
Margo Cook, Chair, URI Board of Trustees
Michelle Curreri, Chief of Staff; Secretary to URI Board of Trustees
Megan Echeverría, Associate Professor of Spanish; URI Faculty Senate
Christine Heenan, Chair, URI Board of Trustees University Advancement & External Affairs Committee
Neil Kerwin, Chair, URI Board of Trustees Academic Affairs, Research & Student Life Committee
Matthew Lopes, Esq., Principal, Lopes Pannone Devereaux O’Gala LLC
Mike McNally, Vice Chair, URI Board of Trustees
Alycia Mosley Austin, Assistant Dean, Graduate Recruitment and Diversity Initiatives; Associate Director, Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program
Lil Breul O’Rourke, President, URI Foundation and Alumni Engagement
Marisa Quinn, Transition Coach
Thomas M. Ryan, Chair, URI Board of Trustees Governance Committee
Alfred J. Verrecchia, Chairman, URI Foundation and Alumni Engagement
A feature on incoming President Parlange will be published in the summer issue of The University of Rhode Island Magazine — — Going Big, Coming Home — where he shares some thoughts on building a more inclusive community, advancing knowledge and providing rich and engaging experiences for our students to succeed.
“We are excited about the possibilities on the state and national levels, as well as the global stage,” said Cook. “When President-elect Parlange arrives in August a new era for the University of Rhode Island will begin.”