SOUTH KINGSTOWN – University of Rhode Island professor of political science Nicolai Petro has received a Fulbright research grant to study the role of the Russian Orthodox Church, while living abroad in Ukraine. more

DARTMOUTH – The University of Massachusetts has created the James J. Karam Scholarship Fund for SouthCoast students to attend any UMass campus, in honor of the UMass Dartmouth graduate. more

Eily Cournoyer has quite the story to tell. more

Stonehill College’s Board of Trustees voted Friday to name the school’s current vice president for student affairs, the Rev. John Denning, its 10th president, succeeding current president, the Rev. Mark T. Cregan, who will step down at the end of June after 13 years in the job. more

Ask writing coach Lisa Tener how to pen an inspirational memoir, and she’ll point to one of her own success stories, Dr. Tim Warren. more

It is clear from the sound of her voice that Kati C. Machtley is having a good day. The founder and director of the Women’s Summit at Bryant University is beaming, because the Bryant varsity lacrosse team just won the Northeast Conference championship. more

A dispute between the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and Music School and the commission overseeing East Providence’s finances has inspired the submission of legislation that would permanently protect arts and cultural nonprofits’ tax-exempt status, something many of them are worried is in danger as cash-strapped municipalities look to levy property taxes on the organizations. more

Armed with a new two-year contract, Rhode Island Commissioner of Education Deborah Gist says she’s staying the course with her five-year plan to transform education in Rhode Island – including closing the skills gap. more

Mike Aresco, commissioner of the athletic conference known for 34 years as the Big East, speaks fondly of Providence, but he can’t promise how long the league he’s reinventing will remain in its historic home. more

Bliss Manufacturing in Pawtucket has been handcrafting inspirational and religious medals, jewelry and other items for more than 100 years. more