State of the College 2020 Transcript

Hello and thank you so much for joining me for this year's 2020 State of the College address.

I know we've all had our fair share of screen time and so, instead of the typical 40 minute State of the College address, I've condensed this year's remarks to about 25min. 

Every year we start the State of the College by congratulating those faculty who have been awarded the distinction of faculty emeriti. The entire RIC community could not be more proud of:

• Professor of Psychology, Barbara Anderson
• Professor of Sociology, Roger Clark  
• Professor of Art,  Krisjohn Horvat 
• Professor of Elementary Education, Macgregor Kniseley
• Professor of Psychology, Robin Montvilo 
• Professor of Mathematics and Computer Science, Ann Moskol 

Two members of the faculty, will be awarded emerita status posthumously. Professor of Biology and Associate Dean of Arts & Sciences Edythe Anthony and Professor of Sociology, Rachel Filinson. Let us honor and remember all of their service to the campus community.

In addition to our faculty emeriti, there are 26 members of the faculty who have been awarded tenure and promoted to the ranks of professor and associate professor.  And this year, for the first time, we recognize 11 members of the faculty who have consistently exceeded the highest standards of performance within the academy. I invite you to view a special presentation following my remarks and join me in celebrating each of them for their outstanding accomplishments and service to Rhode Island College.

Let me now recognize some of our newest colleagues to the college and others who have taken on new roles.

This summer, in the midst of planning for the fall reopening, two academic leaders joined the college.

Helen Tate, joined RIC in July as our new provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.

Carolynn Masters, joined us as our new dean of the School of Nursing, as the school celebrates is golden anniversary this year.   Both have already hit the ground running and their outstanding leadership is already apparent.

Alema Karim has been recently appointed Interim dean of the school of business

and

Ducha Hang is now serving as interim vice president of student success following Eric Rivera's one-year interim status.

I appreciate their willingness to step into these positions, providing timely and vital leadership as the college moves forward.

Let me also take this time to recognize Sue Pearlmutter for her tremendous service as Interim Provost for the last two years.  I am grateful for her efforts and now, I am particularly thankful for her continued work as we prepare for our national NECHE accreditation visit in March 2021
The college has seen exceptional leadership from RIC Council Chair, Vince Bohlinger, and the entire Council, while we've managed through the health and budget crisis. I'm confident under Chair Bohlinger's leadership, in partnership  with the administration, we will enhance the processes for faculty consultation, input and guidance as we now contemplate a challenging 2022 budget.

Similarly, Erik Christensen, has been a tremendous advocate for RIC/AFT members while advancing solutions, ideas and approaches to addressing numerous issues. I am thankful to Vince and Erik for their candor, guidance and input as we come together to navigate the uncharted waters ahead.

We have also worked closely with our Council 94 and Professional Staff Association unions on critical decisions facing the college and I thank them their support as we respond to a variety of important college issues.

On the Rhode Island College Foundation front, I could not be more delighted to welcome Alan Chille as the new Board chairman.  Alan is the general manager of the Providence Performing Arts Center. Although he is new to his board role, Alan is not new to the college. He is an alumnus, major gift donor, and ardent supporter of the work we do every day. Thank you so much Alan.

I want to also extend a special thank you to the RIC Alumni Association for its ongoing advocacy and mobilization of our 65,000 alumni. There is no one more suited to lead the Alumni Association presidency, than Michael Smith, who retired this year after two and half decades of service to the college. I'm delighted Michael will continue to move the college forward by building these essential connections with our alumni across the state, nation and globe.

2020 has already been a year like no other. A perfect storm of overwhelming health and economic challenges, all of which have tested our community, disrupting the way we deliver our academic mission, constraining our available resources and hampering our efforts to help our students succeed.

Without question, our environment today has presented a variety of instructional, operational, financial and cultural challenges that have slowed our progress forward as one of the region's leading public colleges. 

Please hear me when I say, we are definitely not alone in these difficulties. Today, higher education institutions across the country are executing plans they prepared months ago to deliver their teaching and learning missions in response to COVID-19.

Like RIC, many of them are adapting new practices of being predominantly remote…monitoring infection, supporting a testing regiment and managing mitigation. Unlike other schools across the country, we are not having to throw out our fall opening plans all together in reaction to an unpredictable virus.  And while some institutions are now contemplating permanently closing their doors due to the economic impact….we are not.

At first blush, based on the changing environment and the combined impact of declining enrollments, serious budget challenges, racial inequities, and mounting anxiety, fear and hurt in our community. .some might conclude that the State of Rhode Island College is at best, uncertain and at worst, spinning out of control.

However, it is my belief,  any suggestion this college has lost its focus or is out of control, either underestimates the strength of our community or is unaware of the growing number of students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends that have already mobilized to ensure the college's success far beyond the pandemic.

Certainly, there are many, many reasons why Rhode Island College will overcome the current state of affairs. But there are three reasons, in particular, that I would like to share at this time.

First, this college community has been and will always be RESILIENT in our response to a challenge.

It has been said many times before, this pandemic, its impact on our economy and the college, is unprecedented. Even so, the college could not have effectively managed through the last seven months without the extraordinary effort, can do attitude and the coming together of so many of you across the college. The volume of work that has been accomplished to confront these challenges is simply staggering.

Since the onset of the pandemic, faculty and staff at the college have worked tirelessly. In early March, the Critical Incident Team, comprised of representatives across the college, responded to COVID-19 with focus and purpose. Its work kept us safe while managing the emerging virus as it spread across the country, and came to Rhode Island and the campus.

Faculty, as the heart of our institution, led the academic transformation, reimagining their delivery of content and transitioning nearly 1,000 courses online by March 23, when the college transitioned to a fully-remote environment after Spring Break.

Similarly, the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning mobilized quickly to provide a robust menu of professional development and training offerings for faculty.

The talented technical support teams in IT and web communications redirected their efforts to make the transition to remote teaching, learning and working possible. The IT Team for instance created from the ground up a new Virtual Computer Lab to help keep students, faculty and staff connected.

The facilities, library and public safety teams, many of which never stopped coming to campus this spring, ensured campus operations continued. In particular the facilities team developed  new and ongoing cleaning protocols to ensure a safe working environment and; implementing new space protocols for on campus learning and working environments. This enormous effort showcases how our facility staff have been instrumental in getting our campus ready in this new environment. 

During this time we remained student-centered when our students needed us most.  Through personal outreach to our students—including hundreds of phone calls and emails, students felt that the college cared about them and their success. In fact, in a survey following the Spring semester, 97 percent of our students agreed or strongly agreed that faculty cared about their learning and progress, created a welcoming environment, stimulated interest on the subject and demonstrated professional, respectful behavior.

Similarly, the first-year experience team, condensed a two year timeline to two months, as they instituted a virtual New Student Orientation. This work now compliments a new Prospective Student Center, socially distanced campus visits and reengineered housing, dining and athletic experiences; all emerging this past spring and summer.

I observed bold and innovative solution-finding in every corner of the college. Like the commencement committee launching a virtual commencement ceremony recognizing the accomplishments of our 1527 graduates. This team found a distinctive way to distribute personalized graduation gift boxes, complete with commencement programs, honor cords and diplomas.
As we prepared for the college's reopening, the conferences and events team pivoted quickly to oversee the implementation of the Anchor Health Ambassadors initiative, a vital component of our everyday visual and verbal screening process

As serious financial needs surfaced for our students, the RIC Foundation jumped into action to establish an Emergency Response fund to support students with basic needs.  In a matter of weeks, alumni, faculty, students, staff and friends donated $60,000 to support our students most in need.

While many adjustments occurred in the spring, we successfully reopened in a remote environment this fall, despite competing political and cultural time-pressures to reopen in-person.

Together and without hesitation, we put the health and safety of our community first and demonstrated resilience in our response to the challenges we faced.

The second reason why we will overcome the current challenges is because Rhode Island College has been and will always be BOLD IN OUR VISION. I have seen how these lasts seven months have further fueled our spirit of innovation and entrepreneurialism throughout our community. This momentum is driving our community to look beyond the current pandemic and budgetary difficulties, instead we are  reimagining and creating new opportunities and new systems that are preparing Rhode Island College for its long-term success.

As you know, it had been more than a decade since the college launched an advertising campaign, but earlier this summer, in the middle of the crisis, the advancement and external relations team launched a BOLD multimedia campaign that highlighted Rhode Island College throughout Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut. More than 19 million impressions later, 2.3 million of which were thru social media, we have dramatically increased awareness about the college's high-quality academic programs, value and success in preparing the next generation of leaders. In addition, we are investing in our website, making it more accessible, engaging and user friendly for prospective students wanting to learn more about the college.

In spite of our financial challenges, our community is aggressively seeking new resources to address critical needs and advance the college forward.

Now, more than ever, we are steadfast in our efforts to modernize our physical plant for the generations to come. In concert with our Capital Projects team, $25 million dollars in renovations to Horace Mann are well underway and we are continuing our push for the Governor's approved $38 million dollar bond to renovate Clarke Science.

Through a $250,000 grant from the Champlin Foundation this spring, the RIC Foundation will enhance our live-streaming capabilities, expanding our versatility to teach and learn in a remote environment in the years to come. For example, the videoconference platform, Zoom we utilize on a daily basis was made possible through the generous support of the RIC Foundation.

Alumni and donors did not stand still but, instead, rallied and flexed their muscles in support of our vision, helping us raise $2.3 million, distributing $663,236 in scholarships to 415 students and providing $2.7 million in direct support to the college.  More than $270,000 in planned gifts were made and eight new funds were established, adding to the total assets of the foundation, which now exceed $33 million.

In addition to philanthropic support, the college recently applied for and received two U.S. Department of Education Title III TRIO Grants, totaling $2.6 million. These resources will build upon and further secure our PEP program for years to come.

During this time we were confronted with the painful reminder that racial injustice, violence, prejudice and discrimination continues. RIC has always been an institution of opportunity. To teach, learn and work at RIC is to hold ourselves to a higher standard. To call out prejudice and discrimination. To honor and respect humanity and the potential of others regardless of skin color, identity, ability, age, religion or nationality.

Social justice is part of RIC's cultural fabric and we are all called to speak out against any forms of injustice. In alignment with these values, I am motivated to address the underlying conditions that have stifled diverse voices in our communities across the state and on our campus. Education remains the best weapon of prevention in our arsenal and we've used it in the bold action we've taken.
This year, there was increased interest in the Dialogue on Diversity Initiative from the campus community and together, the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and DDI are laying the groundwork so that Rhode Island College can become an anti-racist institution. 

We are preparing to invest and engage in meaningful conversations on inclusion, fostering a climate where all students, faculty and staff feel valued, supported, encouraged and inspired.

Our community has also taken quick action: establishing an affinity group for faculty and staff who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color, instituting a new campus-wide committee on accessibility and converting the Workforce Development Hub in Central Falls into a COVID-19 command center for the city. These are just a few innovative examples that are paving the way for a bold future for Rhode Island College in spite of the challenges we face.

Finally, the third reason why the college will rise to the challenge is because we are unified in our Commitment to RIC's success.

Without question, these last several months have been a true test of the campus community's resolve. In the face of unprecedented times including the pandemic, political and economic turmoil and social injustices, we have risen to the occasion - together, unified in our commitment to RIC and the awesome role it has in changing lives and moving the state forward.

Over its 166 years in existence, this college has seen and overcome its fair share of big challenges. We have overcome world wars, a great depression and yes, even with the first pandemic at the turn of the 20th century.  Each and every time, the college and its community of students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends have responded by doing exactly what we are doing today….taking action, together.

Time and again, RIC has shown how resilient, bold and unified it can become during times of immense pressure and difficulty.  There is no question that these are uncertain times, however, there is certainty of RIC's recovery, its viability and its future remains steadfast, intact and forward looking.

After this past year, I'm convinced now more than ever, what has allowed our community to thrive despite significant obstacles, has been our ability to unify around our shared ownership of the college. This passionate commitment drives us, connects us and fosters a space for different perspectives, ideas and solutions to be heard.

This unified commitment motivates students like Sondra Bouchard (Boo shard) who works on the frontlines as a student nurse intern at Rhode Island Hospital.

It has inspired Professors like Charlie McLaughlin who researched and developed a process to fabricate face shields for frontline health care workers.

It has driven RIC alumni such as Randia Dickerson, a BSW and MSW graduate, who cares for and educates individuals with developmental delays and severe learning disabilities.

These few examples represent the tens of thousands who have a unified commitment to this college and who are taking action with inspiration. This commitment has not waivered for the last 166 years and will not waiver now, as we once again confront these difficulties together and charge forward to our collective future.

In the months and years ahead, our success will be defined by our ability to fulfill our mission. To do this, even amidst a challenging fiscal environment, we must make strategic investments to strengthen the academy and deliver RIC's high-quality academic programs.

Real investments must be made to overcome institutionalized inequity and provide opportunities for communities that have traditionally been underrepresented. Building upon the college's strategic pillar Inclusive Excellence, I am proud to announce the launch of the FUTURE is BOLD annual giving campaign led by the RIC Foundation. This initiative will support underrepresented communities with scholarship, faculty grants and emergency student funding. As a college we must recommit to supporting the pursuit of education and economic prosperity among both underrepresented students and educators, and to put that support into action. Please join me in BOLDLY supporting our future
As we manage the financial challenges ahead, we cannot cut our way to excellence. Instead, our unified commitment will bring us together to make important budgetary decisions while strengthening our systems of shared governance and building sustainable relationships that engender respect, trust and transparency. This I pledge on behalf of the administration and look to our academic leadership to work with Provost Tate to strengthen our shared governance processes

 In closing, the State of Rhode Island College is resilient, bold and shares a unified commitment to its success. For over a century and a half this community has time again overcome environmental challenges, difficulties and disruptions. If our response to the past and current challenges is any indication of our future, then be rest assured, there are decades of head of us that will be realized.
I will close by saying thank you to the countless individuals who have joined committees, working groups and response teams. I am also grateful for those that offered words of encouragement, constructive feedback and ideas focused on our future. Your energy is contagious, inspiring and welcomed.

Thank you all for what you do in support of Rhode Island College.

You have made all the difference in our success and I wish you all the best for the 20-21 academic year. Thank you.