Ioannis Miaoulis | President, Roger Williams University
1. You have an academic and nonprofit background in science and engineering. What is Roger Williams University doing right in these disciplines, and what can it do better? RWU has a unique marine wet lab and research vessel enabling our students to do research that improves the environment. And we’re nearing completion of an applied-learning building, delivering the latest engineering and construction-management technology right on campus. … What we can do better is bring together our strengths that cut across academic programs to address large, complex problems [such as] coastal resilience and sustainability.
2. How can the university encourage more enrollment from women and underrepresented minorities, overall, and in science and engineering specifically? The racial and ethnic diversity of our students increased from 12% to 18% over the past four years. Recently, we hired the first vice president for equity and inclusion and are launching an equity plan. … RWU is committed to developing pipelines of opportunity for women and underrepresented minorities in fields where the jobs are.
3. RWU has a partnership with Providence public schools that is training more teachers for ESL certification. Can it be expanded? Teachers need specialized training to educate [Rhode Island’s] linguistically diverse population. Our initial partnership with Providence and Pawtucket exceeded expectations, and last year RIDE granted approval to expand partnerships statewide.
4. How is the university going to become more involved with the needs of Rhode Island industry? To realize our mission to be “the University the World Needs Now,” we must listen and understand what those needs actually are. We are well-equipped to partner with industry for training, research, internship and job opportunities for our students. Our students graduate prepared for successful careers, and we continue developing the region’s professional talent.
5. What issues in U.S. higher education concern you the most? The cost of a degree continues to be a national issue, but I am also concerned about the perception of cost. Too many look at private education as out of reach, or question its value altogether. … RWU is committed to affordability and student access. We provided students this fall with over $60 million in financial aid resources, and our University College offers lower tuition, part-time programs, certificates and job training.
Mary MacDonald is a PBN staff writer. Contact her at Macdonald@PBN.com.
