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Riley will be a key leader at ��ʤ������, strategically managing the academic and research missions.
 

DURHAM, N.H. —Jeannette E. Riley, ‘91G, will be the University of ��ʤ������’s next Provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, the University announced today. Her appointment was approved April 17 by the University of ��ʤ������ System Board of Trustees and Riley will assume her duties on June 30. 

Currently the dean of the University of Rhode Island’s College of Arts and Sciences, Riley is a seasoned academic leader and noted scholar.  

“I am thrilled to welcome Jen back to ��ʤ������ and to my leadership team,” ��ʤ������ President Elizabeth Chilton said. “Her wealth of experience at public research universities, particularly in change management and her track record of engaging stakeholder groups in strategic planning and execution, will be critical as we position ��ʤ������ for continued success.”   

Since joining URI as dean in 2017, Riley has grown the profile and prestige of her college, integrating online programs, launching a new budget model, forging new partnerships with area schools and businesses, and expanding experiential learning opportunities for undergraduates.  

“Jen brings a demonstrated commitment to shared governance, advocating for the public universities and promoting student success,” said Michele Dillon, dean of ��ʤ������’s College of Liberal Arts, who co-chaired the search committee. “I look forward to working with her for the benefit of ��ʤ������ and our community.” 

As provost Riley will lead ��ʤ������’s academic operations and serve as a key member of the University’s leadership team, working to advance ��ʤ������'s scholarly, teaching, and outreach ​​missions across campuses, geographies, and modalities. She will oversee all of ��ʤ������’s colleges, schools, and institutes, as well as enrollment management, contract administration, and the office of research, economic engagement and outreach. 

“I am genuinely excited to join the University of ��ʤ������ and to partner with faculty, staff, and university leadership to further ��ʤ������’s mission,” Riley said. “I see in ��ʤ������ an institution ready to tackle the challenges of higher education, a focus to redesign its budgetary model to facilitate growth and innovation, strategic investments to expand impact via online and distance learning, a faculty recognized for its research and impact, and a campus as a whole focused on student well-being and success.” 

Prior to URI, Jen spent 15 years at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where she served as the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, the Academic Director of Online Education, Chair of the Department of English, among other roles. She holds a doctorate in English from the University of New Mexico, as well as a master’s in English from ��ʤ������, and a bachelor’s in English from Colby College.