Rajesh Bellani has been named associate provost for student affairs at Rhode Island School of Design. He worked at Colgate University as assistant dean of multicultural affairs, associate director of campus life and most recently, associate dean of academic initiatives. He has a B.A. from the State University of New York, an M.S. from Western Illinois University and a doctorate in education from the University of Pennsylvania.
PBN: Prior to your work at Colgate, you held student-affairs positions at several colleges. What are some of the common themes higher-learning institutions have had to address?
BELLANI: Whether it’s a calm suburb, or a buzzing urban setting like Providence, a positive learning environment is essential for a healthy community. The safety and security of our students is one of my top priorities. In addition to a stable learning environment, diversity is essential to providing our students with the exposure and work ethic to handle even the most pressing issues. The capacity to understand [different] religions, cultures and backgrounds is the key for our students to strategically evaluate issues and contribute to the world we live in.
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PBN: What are you looking forward to in your new role?
BELLANI: It is a privilege to work with the student body and faculty here at RISD. Not only are they talented and passionate artists and designers, but also critical thinkers. I am excited to be reworking how student affairs can provide a consistent avenue of workshops that will complement our current methods and outlooks and add to the diverse educational experience at RISD. Currently, we are facilitating studio visits with area alumni. These visits show students the challenges and rewards of making a creative living.
PBN: What new approach will you bring to your position that will heighten the relationship between RISD and the Providence community?
BELLANI: RISD is as much a part of Providence as the city is to the institution. Helping our students understand their leadership potential and civic responsibility is extremely important in making a contribution to the world around us – it all starts here. It is pivotal that we continue to offer volunteer initiatives, internships and community programs, such as “Invent Your Future in Rhode Island,” a program that teams local leaders working in government with RISD students who have expressed interest in public policy. The city life that surrounds RISD presents day-to-day lessons that are essential to creative and critical thinking. •
