PROVIDENCE – Ioannis Miaoulis, who has been Roger Williams University president since 2019, will retire at the end of the academic year on May 31.
“This decision comes from a deeply personal place. I believe it is best for my well-being and, just as importantly, best for the university,” Miaoulis said in a statement. “This is the right moment for RWU to begin its next chapter, building on the momentum our community has created together. Leading this university has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career, and I will continue to follow its progress with pride.”
Brian Williams, RWU chief of staff, has been appointed interim president by the university’s board of trustees. He will start on June 1.
Roger Williams spokesperson Kelly Brinza told Providence Business News Tuesday that there is no immediate timeline established for a presidential search.
The Board of Trustees’ immediate priority is to ensure that we enter a period of stability for the university, Brines said. “The board will thoughtfully engage the campus, gather input from key stakeholders, and communicate clearly about the university’s readiness and plans for the next permanent president.”
“We are grateful for President Miaoulis’ dedication to Roger Williams University and the many contributions he has made over the past seven years,” said Heather N. Boujoulian, RWU board chair. “He has helped strengthen the university’s academic foundation, expand its impact in the community, and position RWU for continued success. On behalf of the board, we thank President Miaoulis for his service and wish him the very best in this next chapter.”
During Miaoulis' tenure, RWU expanded experiential learning opportunities, strengthened its presence in Providence and advanced initiatives across law, justice and public service, the university said. He also helped secure $20 million in 2022, the largest gift in university history, to rename RWU's School of Architecture, Art and Historic Preservation. It is now known as the Cummings School of Architecture.
However, Miaoulis drew the ire of the university’s unions when he announced plan in November that required most RWU employees to take a one-week unpaid furlough to help the school close a $3.5 million budget shortfall.
In December, 200 members of the Roger Williams University faculty, professional support staff, and facilities unions submitted a petition urging the board of trustees to invoke its authority and stop the furlough plan. The petition described the furlough plan as unlawful, unfair and unnecessary.
“Over the course of my seven years as president, not every decision has been met with agreement, and at times, there have been moments of tension," Miaoulis said in an email to the university community on Tuesday obtained by RWU student newspaper The Hawks' Herald. “I have always respected the dedication and commitment of our community members, even when perspectives differed.
“A university should be a place where ideas are tested and debated, and I believe those moments, however difficult, came from a shared love for our institution and a desire to move us forward. Our willingness to engage in hard conversations, even when we disagree, speaks to a shared commitment to doing what is best for our students and RWU’s future,” Miaoulis said.
(UPDATE: Comment from RWU spokesperson added in 4th and 5th paragraphs.)
