URI Board of Trustees Academic Affairs and Research Committee Meeting

The University of Rhode Island (URI) Board of Trustees Academic Affairs and Research Committee met on June 23, 2026, to discuss a range of academic and research topics. Key procurement-related actions included the approval of tenure for 16 faculty members and six new hires, including incoming deans and a university librarian, all of whom were granted tenure following a rigorous review process. The committee also reviewed academic program changes, including the introduction of a new Bachelor of Arts in Film. Additionally, the meeting covered updates on research funding, highlighting a $1 million NIH award to a nursing faculty member and noting fluctuations in federal research funding from agencies such as NSF and Department of Defense. The committee acknowledged a $5 million state appropriation to support the planning and development of a new public medical school at URI, with a business plan forthcoming. Diversity and inclusion efforts were also discussed, including enrollment growth, faculty and staff diversity initiatives, and climate survey results. Motions related to tenure approvals and sealing of executive session minutes were passed unanimously, reflecting the committee's focus on academic excellence and institutional development.