Message from the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Within the Division of Academic Affairs, we are boldly focused on the success of our students. That is why, each day, we support those activities and people who are central to the teaching and scholarly mission of Rhode Island College.

Our full-time and part-time faculty and professional staff are organized among five schools: the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development, the School of Business, the School of Nursing, and the School of Social Work. These units are complemented by our School of Graduate Studies, which puts career advancement within reach for students pursing certificates of graduate study or programs at the master's and doctoral level.  Building upon our commitment to community-education and workforce development, the Office of Professional Studies and Continuing Education supports students who seek to enrich their knowledge and skills through continuing education programs.

As a comprehensive institution, we serve the educational needs of the citizens of the state, the nation, and beyond. Rhode Island College graduates are everywhere. They are businesspeople, artists, musicians, scientists, educators, and leaders in many different areas, contributing to the region’s vibrancy and economic development. The college is the largest producer of teachers in the state, and it is a primary source of health care professionals: nurses, medical imaging staff, social workers, and counselors.

We are a powerful force for the liberal arts in a broad spectrum of disciplines, offering an exciting and energetic community of students, faculty, and staff.

In the midst of the pandemic, I have been inspired by the resilience, grit, and creativity of our campus community during this most difficult time. Together, we have been strengthened by our collective commitment to the wellbeing of our community and by the extraordinary efforts of our faculty and staff to adapt and innovate in order to ensure that students' academic progress has continued.

I have been impressed, but not surprised, by the commitment, creativity and expertise they have brought to our challenges as we ​work to ensure that our students are supported and able to progress toward their educational goals. I'm truly proud to be a member of this resilient, student-centered community. And, I am sure you will be, too.

-Helen Tate, Ph.D., Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs