Riley ’91G to assume duties June 30

Tuesday, April 22, 2025
New 91Ƭ provost Jeanette Riley poses for a photo in front of a gray background

Jeannette E. Riley’91Gwill be the 91Ƭ’s next provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, the university announced April 22. Riley will assume her duties on June 30.

Currently the dean of the University of Rhode Island’s College of Arts and Sciences, Riley is a seasoned academic leader and noted scholar.

“I am thrilled to welcome Jen back to 91Ƭ and to my leadership team,” 91Ƭ President Elizabeth Chilton says. “Her wealth of experience at public research universities, particularly in change management, and her track record of engaging stakeholder groups in strategic planning and execution, will be critical as we position 91Ƭ for continued success.”  

Since joining URI as dean in 2017, Riley has grown the profile and prestige of her college, integrating online programs, launching a new budget model, forging new partnerships with area schools and businesses, and expanding experiential learning opportunities for undergraduates.

“Jen brings a demonstrated commitment to shared governance, advocating for the public universities and promoting student success,” says Michele Dillon, dean of 91Ƭ’s College of Liberal Arts, who co-chaired the search committee. “I look forward to working with her for the benefit of 91Ƭ and our community.”

As provost Riley will lead 91Ƭ’s academic operations and serve as a key member of the university’s leadership team, working to advance 91Ƭ's scholarly, teaching, and outreach ​​missions across campuses, geographies, and modalities. She will oversee all of 91Ƭ’s colleges, schools, and institutes, as well as enrollment management, contract administration, and the office of research, economic engagement and outreach.

“I am genuinely excited to join the 91Ƭ and to partner with faculty, staff, and university leadership to further 91Ƭ’s mission,” Riley said. “I see in 91Ƭ an institution ready to tackle the challenges of higher education, a focus to redesign its budgetary model to facilitate growth and innovation, strategic investments to expand impact via online and distance learning, a faculty recognized for its research and impact, and a campus as a whole focused on student well-being and success.”

Prior to URI, Jen spent 15 years at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where she served as the dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, the academic director of online education and chair of the department of English, among other roles. She holds a doctorate in English from the University of New Mexico, as well as a master’s in English from 91Ƭ, and a bachelor’s in English from Colby College.

Photographer: 
Jeremy Gasowski | 91Ƭ Marketing | jeremy.gasowski@unh.edu | 603-862-4465