President Marc Parlange outlines 10-year plan, strategic priorities
President Parlange discusses 10-year plan. PHOTO CREDIT: Eddie Melfi | Staff Photographer
University of Rhode Island President Marc Parlange gave the 2023 State of the University address on Feb. 1 to emphasize positive development and present a strategic 10-year plan.
Parlange made clear his pride in the University, acknowledging many entities and their recent accomplishments. He shared his own experiences here at URI and why he believes the University has a bright future.
“The pandemic was a disruption in many ways for URI, the same way it was for the rest of the world,” Parlange said. “But I am really proud to say that we defied the trends with record setting applications and enrollments last year.”
The University’s focus on access to education was shown through examples of various scholarships and programs. Parlange acknowledged unique programs such as the “Finish what you started” program, which gives the opportunity to students to finish their degree.
The flagship research institution at URI was a prevalent topic in the address. Parlange discussed the opportunities higher education can bring to the world, such as more research opportunities, and the importance of continuing to develop research. He spoke of the importance of teaching and experiential learning while acknowledging professors who go above and beyond for their students’ learning experiences.
Parlange made inclusion and diversity a prevalent theme throughout his address, as well as opening with an acknowledgement of the first day of Black History Month. He praised the appointment of a vice president and assistant vice president of the office of Community, Equity, and Diversity.
“Sean Rogers and Michelle Fontes have been outstanding collaborative leaders in fostering a culture of inclusion across our campuses,” Parlange said.
Parlange addressed the plans the University has to continue to succeed. The University’s four strategic priorities, written in the event’s pamphlet, listed, “broaden our impact,” “enhance student achievement,” “foster an inclusive culture” and “power the University of the future.”
The strategic plan addressed many aspects of the University that reach students, faculty, alumni and the greater URI community.
“Focus URI” has a hope to broaden social and economic impact by creating more partnerships within the University’s flagship research programs.
“We will be a destination school for companies and partners across the globe to come and work with our faculty and students,” Parlange said.
The plan, as well, emphasized a focus on its student’s success. Parlange explained the importance of the student’s well-being in relation to the University as a whole.
“We will be a community where students lead their academic journeys,” Parlange said. “Giving them resources and support that values inclusion and well-being, and holistic development. We will modernize our financial practices, we will be ambitious fundraisers and partners and we will focus on generating new revenue that can be reinvested in our teaching, research and service missions.”
The address was delivered with positivity by President Parlange. There were certainly moments of laughter and many of applause.
“What I think URI means for many, and certainly what it means for me, is that anything is possible here,” Parlange said.
There were questions from students and faculty members held with URI Provost Barbara Wolfe and URI alumna, who received a bachelors in journalism, Laurie White. One question that stood out was the prospect of revamping the dormitories on campus, which Parlange said was a goal in the University’s plan.