KINGSTON, R.I. – May 4, 2026 – Rowan Akerlind knew he wanted to double major in secondary education and English at the University of Rhode Island from the outset. The Hebron, Connecticut native had done his homework on the University’s programs ahead of time. 

“I knew early on that URI had very supportive professors, engaging classes, and plenty of field experience on the education side,” he said. “All of these were motivating factors in my decision to attend URI.”

He says he knew early on that he’d made the right choice, both for college and programs of study, when during his first year at URI he was able to gain field experience at a high school in Providence. 

From then on, Akerlind continued being actively involved at the University, serving as a Resident Academic Mentor (RAM) for first-year education majors and a student advisory board member in the Feinstein College of Education. These experiences helped him gain leadership skills and experience in organizing events, while allowing him to collaborate with faculty and peers. 

While at URI, Akerlind received a Nancy Potter Endowment scholarship, named for the longtime URI English professor, and a Gertrude Spencer Award, which supports students pursuing teaching of English. 

“Rowan exemplifies excellence not only as a URI campus student leader and Summa Cum Laude scholar, but also as a kind-hearted friend to his classmates and a valued student teacher at South Kingstown High School,” said Diane Kern in the College of Education, his program advisor. 

“I suspect that the Edgar Allan Poe stickers he gave his students there brought smiles, but I can assure you that Rowan’s belief in each of his students’ self-worth will be what they will remember.”

Akerlind also cites English associate professor Travis Williams as an influence at the University.

“He has made a huge impact on me throughout my time studying English, and I credit a lot of my success at URI to him,” Akerlind said. 

“Rowan distinguished himself in my classroom for his collegial leadership in discussion,” said Williams, noting his ability to lead discussions with energy and support for classmates. 

“When I learned that Rowan was also a secondary education major, I knew that he would be a brilliant teacher,” he said. “He will have some very lucky students!”

On the basis of Akerlind’s excellent academic performance in his classroom, Williams invited him to be his research assistant last summer for his current book, “Literature and Mathematics: The Writing Arts in the Age of Shakespeare.” He performed advanced editing, bibliographic, and fact-checking work for Williams’ book project and grew to become a sophisticated scholar-editor, managing a large-scale project with ease while asking all the right questions. 

“I really valued his collaborative approach,” said Williams.

After that experience, Akerlind moved into full-time teaching for his last year at URI. He has been at South Kingstown High for his residency experience, teaching primarily ninth grade classes, as well as a senior creative writing class. 

“Overall, I have absolutely loved the experience,” Akerlind said. “My clinical educator, Eileen Gannon, has been incredibly kind and supportive, and she has made me a better teacher with all of her advice and feedback. The students have also been amazing, and I could tell that they care about me, just as I care about them. That’s a great feeling.”

After graduation, Akerlind plans to return to Connecticut to enjoy some summer downtime before embarking on his full-time teaching career in the fall. He has a few job applications out to teach English next year, with his fingers crossed while waiting to hear. Akerlind is looking forward to his next steps, ready to inspire a new generation of high school students to develop a love for the written word.