PBN Leaders & Achievers Awards 2026
KIM STACK
University of Rhode Island executive director of undergraduate student success and academic support
When it comes to leadership, Kim Stack, executive director of undergraduate student success and academic support at the University of Rhode Island in South Kingstown, said, “I say yes to the things that matter most. It’s always the right time to do the right thing for students.”
For the last 30 years, Stack has been a champion for student success. She found her calling as an undergrad in a job she “fell into” in the admissions department, working the front desk and giving campus tours before traveling to recruit students.
“I loved helping, supporting people,” she said.
Her career began in the URI Office of Undergraduate Admissions as an adviser, moving through roles, including director of experiential learning and community engagement and director of the URI Center for Career and Experiential Education before taking her current position in 2023.
Stack’s impact on students over three decades has been significant.
“I want us to be the marker, to set the standard for student success,” she said.
Under her leadership have come enough programs to fill a book, including the Level Up! Math pilot, which helps students needing calculus transition into science, technology, engineering and math majors with a 94% success rate, and a $700,000 grant for advising and retention technology.
Despite the progress, there’s plenty on her to-do list.
“I want to increase graduation rates. Our retention is good, but I want 90% retention from first to second year, and to decrease time to graduation,” Stack said.
She is also making an imprint outside URI, serving on the board of the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority and as president elect for 2026-2027 of the Association of Deans & Directors of University Colleges & Undergraduate Studies.
Stack is energetic.
“Humor has helped me along the way. Life is funny, students are funny; you can’t be serious all the time,” said Stack, who confesses she’s addicted to paddle boarding and is also a master gardener. “It’s about making a difference, helping students find their path. I want extraordinary career success for students.”
