Celebrating the Presidency of
Robert L. Carothers, 1991-2009
When URI's 10th president, Robert L. Carothers arrived in 1991, Rhode Island was in the midst of a major fiscal crisis. The governor had closed the credit unions statewide, state appropriations for higher education were cut, and to offset this, tuition and fees were raised by 28 percent, followed by a 10 percent increase the next year.
On campus, roofs leaked, there was little opportunity for scholarships to attract top students, and the University had developed a solid reputation as the nation's number one party school. There was a tremendous sense of cynicism among students, faculty, and staff.
This is when he began the makeover to improve the University's structure, infrastructure, and curriculum.
He walked onto the Kingston campus with a whole new vision, language, and leadership approach. And the most transformative years in URI's 117-year history began.
Visit the rest of this site to learn more about President Carothers, his tenure, and how you can join us to celebrate his 18 years at URI.
Eighteen Years
$18 for 18 -- donate to the President Carothers Legacy Fund
President Carothers is willing to ponder the big questions. He has thought his way through the tough challenges that every university president faces. With intelligence and creativity, he has reinvented the culture of learning at the University, established global and local collaborations, and sought out opportunities to further diversity, economic development, and civic engagement. As a scholar, poet, and lawyer, he has approached his presidency from a uniquely broad and thoughtful perspective.
For more insights like this one, see all eight thematic posters celebrating the tenure of President Carothers.
