Business Details
Advocates for Rhode Island's Independent Colleges & Universities
The RI Independent Higher Education serves as the unified voice for eight independent institutions of higher learning in the state. Our mission focuses on advocacy, policy development, and collaborative initiatives to strengthen higher education. Through strategic partnerships and member-driven programs, we address shared challenges and opportunities in education, workforce development, and community engagement. Our work includes advocacy for increased student aid funding, research collaborations, and initiatives like the Language Consortium to enhance academic offerings.We also facilitate partnerships with businesses and organizations to support economic growth and educational access. By representing member institutions at national and state levels, we amplify their collective impact on Rhode Island's educational landscape.
Services
Higher Education Advocacy
Policy Development
Research Collaborations
Workforce Development
Academic Consortium Programs
Government Relations
Member Institutional Support
Highlights and features
- We represent eight leading independent institutions in Rhode Island
- Our advocacy efforts secure critical funding for student aid programs
- We facilitate cross-institutional academic collaborations like the Language Consortium
- Our strategic partnerships connect education with workforce development needs
- We provide expert policy analysis and government relations support
Services
Higher Education Advocacy
We advocate for policies that strengthen independent higher education in Rhode Island. Our efforts focus on securing state funding, improving student aid programs, and shaping legislation that benefits member institutions. Through coordinated campaigns and stakeholder engagement, we amplify the collective voice of our member colleges and universities.
Research Collaborations
The College & University Collaborative facilitates evidence-based policymaking through shared research initiatives. We connect institutional research capabilities with state decision-makers to address educational challenges. Our work ensures policy decisions are informed by rigorous academic analysis and institutional expertise.
Workforce Development
Our bRIdge initiative connects member institutions with local businesses to align education with workforce needs. We develop partnerships that create internship opportunities, industry-specific training programs, and career pathways for students across Rhode Island's independent colleges.
Academic Consortium Programs
The Language Consortium enables cross-enrollment in language courses across member institutions. Students gain access to expanded language offerings while institutions share teaching resources. This collaborative approach enhances language education opportunities across Rhode Island's private colleges.
Member Institutional Support
We provide administrative and operational support through specialized committees and consortia. Our services include government relations, financial aid coordination, and professional development for staff across member institutions. This collaborative framework strengthens institutional capacity while maintaining individual autonomy.
People
Ryan Foster
Interim Communications, Policy, and Member Relations Assistant
Rhode Island native with a BA in International Relations from Suffolk University. Brings experience in communications and policy to support member institutions' advocacy efforts.
Crystal Williams
President of Rhode Island School of Design
Former Boston University diversity leader with extensive experience in higher education administration. Recognized for advancing inclusion initiatives at multiple institutions.
David Proulx
Interim President of Rhode Island School of Design
28-year higher education finance expert with leadership roles at RISD and University of New Hampshire. Holds MBA from UNH and Harvard leadership training.
Dan Egan
President
Appointed co-chair of New England Council's Higher Education Committee. Leads statewide advocacy efforts for independent colleges and universities.
Luke Thompson
Communications, Policy, and Member Relations Assistant
Fulbright Scholar with MA in Law and Diplomacy from Tufts University. Previous summer fellow at AICU Rhode Island. Rhode Island native with deep institutional knowledge.
Questions
What institutions are members of AICU Rhode Island?
Our members include Brown University, Bryant University, New England Institute of Technology, Providence College, Rhode Island School of Design, Roger Williams University, and Salve Regina University.
How does AICU Rhode Island support students?
We advocate for increased state funding to programs like the Rhode Island Promise Scholarship and facilitate academic collaborations that expand educational opportunities across member institutions.
What workforce development initiatives do you offer?
Our bRIdge program connects member institutions with local businesses to create internship opportunities and workforce training programs aligned with industry needs.
What research initiatives do you support?
The College & University Collaborative conducts policy research to inform decision-making and improve higher education outcomes across Rhode Island.
Do you offer language programs?
Yes, our Language Consortium allows students to enroll in language courses across participating member institutions, expanding educational options statewide.
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