Dooley to Retire From URI in 2021

Dooley to Retire From URI in 2021

University of Rhode Island President David M. Dooley announced Monday he will retire in June 2021 after eleven years as President

Dooley, the University’s 11th president in a message the staff, faculty, and students, said, "It is very difficult for me to express how much I have enjoyed and appreciated serving as your president for the past eleven years. No institution means, or has ever meant, more to me than the University of Rhode Island and its people."

Dooley’s contract was under review for an extension by the Board of Trustees.

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“Inspirational, creative, caring, welcoming, thoughtful, wise - these are just a few of the words that come to mind when I contemplate the diverse and supportive community here,” Dooley said. “URI, as it stands today, is the consequence of your vision, your tireless efforts, your talents and abilities, and your collective commitment to one another and to the mission of the University.

Under Dooley, the university went on a building boom, including new biotech and engineering buildings, with hundreds of millions of dollars invested in the campus. The $125 million Fascitelli Center for Advanced Engineering is the highlight.

“URI cherishes the values of equity, inclusion, and community. Consequently, it will be difficult to leave this special place, but I am convinced that the time is right for me to step down and for the University to seek a new president,” he said.

Looking Ahead

During the next year, Dooley will focus on sustaining the momentum and growth of URI, including assisting the new Board of Trustees, working with the URI Foundation and Alumni Engagement to sustain the tremendous progress of the University’s comprehensive campaign, and facilitating a smooth transition for the next president of the University of Rhode Island.

“But my primary focus will be to work with all of you to guide URI through the current challenges of a global pandemic,” Dooley said.

“No one knows how or when this crisis will end, but I believe that I know you – the URI community – reasonably well. Consequently, I am confident the University of Rhode Island will emerge stronger, more resilient, more innovative, and prepared to lead in a new era for higher education.”

Margo Cook, chair of the University of Rhode Island Board of Trustees, said Dooley’s record of accomplishments at URI is impressive.

“President Dooley’s vision for the University of Rhode Island has led to dramatic transformation and increased student success during his tenure,” Cook said.

“His commitment to educational excellence, research growth, business engagement, and community outreach have been hallmarks of his presidency at the University,” Cook said. “I’ve had the honor of working in partnership with the president for many years and have enjoyed his energy and valued his focus on raising the profile of Rhode Island’s state flagship research university. On behalf of the URI Board of Trustees, I extend our gratitude to the president and will support his continued leadership to maintain URI’s momentum.

Cook said she looks forward to working with Dooley over the next year to ensure a smooth transition and stability, as the search for the next president gets underway. 

“I know the University will continue to thrive and I’m grateful for the dedicated faculty and staff that are working hard to ensure our students can achieve their educational goals,” Cook said.