The University of Rhode Island community met to hear URI President Marc Parlange share accomplishments and future plans during the State of the University address on Sept. 25.
Parlange continued his campaign for the Yes on 2 initiative, which would allocate $87.5 million to the construction of a biomedical sciences building on the Kingston Campus if passed, Parlange said.
“I want you to remember when you go to the ballot box in November to vote yes on two,” Parlange said.
URI’s Narragansett Bay Campus is entering phase two of development, supported by a $100 million bond, according to Parlange. The Kingston Campus Fine Arts Center, also funded by a bond, is due for completion in 2025.
“We will better support the creative endeavors of our students, staff, faculty and alumni while bringing the broader community to our Kingston Campus,” Parlange said.
URI garnered a record number of first year applications for the class of 2028, totaling 26,983 applications, according to Parlange. Over $150 million was given in financial aid in 2024.
In the spring, 4,700 degrees were awarded across commencement ceremonies, Parlange said.
Parlange shared the university’s statistical achievements, including the Wall Street Journal naming URI the No. 1 public university in New England.
The URI College of Nursing ranked in the top 8% of nursing colleges nationally and the College of Pharmacy at URI ranked in the top 10% of pharmacy colleges nationally in research funding, Parlange said. More than 60% of all active Rhode Island pharmacists graduated from URI.
URI’s covered parking project on Plains Road used solar panels to generate 1.8 kilowatt hours of energy each year, Parlange said.
$300 million was donated by 34,000 members of the URI community as part of the university’s capital gains campaign, according to Parlange.
Members of the athletic department were given their flowers, specifically men’s track and field and women’s rowing for their success in the Atlantic 10 conference.
Parlange spotlit faculty research in areas such as ecosystem loss in the western Pacific, the promises of offshore wind and the relationship between physical activity and ADHD.
URI student Bhavya Chatragadda, rowing head coach Shelagh Donohoe and assistant professor Travess Smalley gave brief presentations on their experiences at the university.
Chatragadda, a fourth-year majoring in molecular neuroscience and microbiology, also endorsed the Yes on 2 initiative.
“[The campaign] is a great way for us to kind of reinvest in our already amazing university,” Chatragadda said.
Donohoe screened a video of her team winning the A-10 conference championship. Her speech revolved around themes of university pride and improvement.
Smalley, an assistant professor of print media, showcased his work with artificial intelligence and artwork. In Smalley’s print media classes, students have been learning to use AI to improve the process of print media.
Parlange concluded his portion of the address by sharing his Instagram account, @presidentparlange, asking audience members to follow him.
“I do hope I have more followers than the URI chickens account,” Parlange said.
The address was followed by a reception in the Welcome Center. The State of the University address is free to stream on the university’s Youtube channel.