Vice president for student affairs appointedAfter a nationwide search, University of Rhode Island President Robert L. Carothers appointed Thomas R. Dougan, Ph.D., as vice president for student affairs. Dougan has served as interim vice president since last January. He succeeds Dr. John McCray who was named Vice Provost for Urban Programs.
In making the announcement Carothers said: “Tom Dougan has been a leader in student affairs at URI for nearly 17 years. He has been the ‘go to’ guy when things have been tough here, and he has earned the respect and admiration of two generations of students. I have been impressed by his commitment to fairness and diversity and his willingness always to go the extra mile for our students.”
“I’m both flattered and honored that the president has confidence in me and my abilities,” said Dougan. “I’m extremely proud of our hardworking staff and our hands-on, inclusive work with young people. I feel URI is my University. We’re a great team — the students who learn here, the faculty who teach them, and the staff that facilitate it all.”
With an annual budget in excess of $50 million, Dougan has executive responsibility for the Division of Student Affairs, including the offices of Housing and Residential Life, Dining Services, Intercollegiate Athletics, Student Life, the Memorial Union, Health Services, and the University Bookstore. He is also responsible for the offices of Career Services, Multicultural Student Services, the Counseling Center, and oversight of the dean of students.
Dougan said the division’s first priority will be to be a major player in the University’s effort to increase its retention rate. Another priority will be to continue to address issues of substance abuse and violence. “No other issues on any college campus affect learning more than alcohol, drugs or violence, particularly violence toward women,” he said.
Dougan has more than 25 years of experience as a student affairs officer. He joined URI as director of student life in 1985, and then served as interim executive officer for student affairs before becoming assistant vice president in 1988. At one time he also served as interim director of athletics.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in math education from Edinboro State College (Penn.), a master’s degree in college student personnel at Western Illinois University, and a doctorate in educational administration from the University of Florida.
By Jan Wenzel
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