Mahoney new URI liaison

Kelly K. Mahoney has been appointed to director of external relations and communications at the University of Rhode Island. In her new role, she will report to the president and is a member of his senior leadership team. She will also serve as the university’s lead liaison to several governmental agencies and entities, as well as to the U.S. congressional delegation. She previously served as policy director for former Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee, the R.I. Department of Administration and most recently, she was the policy director for Clay Pell’s gubernatorial campaign. A former URI graduate, Mahoney holds a B.A. in marine affairs from the University of Rhode Island and an M.S. in leadership from Northeastern University. What were your findings from the study that you conducted on public higher education at the R.I. Department of Administration?Two key findings from the report were: the number of jobs that are projected to require some level of postsecondary education is expected to significantly outpace the number of Americans qualified to fill this demand; and, the introduction of virtual learning is changing the way students learn, educators teach and it is expanding both the number and demographics of students who are able to access postsecondary education. How do you think your knowledge of governmental mechanics will help you in your new role as the university’s liaison?One of my biggest roles as a liaison for URI is to amplify and communicate the positive contributions that this institution makes, not only in students’ lives but also to the economy of the state. There is cutting-edge research and economic activity underway everyday on our campuses.What are some of your plans for the university?I plan to support and promote the president’s transformational goals to create a 21st-century, 24/7 learning environment; increase the magnitude, prominence and impact of research, scholarship and creative work; internationalize and globalize URI; and, build a community at URI that values and embraces equity and diversity. I’m inspired to be in such an engaging and educational environment and look forward to immersing myself in [it]. n

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