Who We Are

Working to strengthen society through engaged teaching and learning.

ÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ is inextricably connected to Roger Williams, the 17th-century leader devoted to freedom of conscience and social justice who founded a community in Rhode Island based on those tenets. Roger Williams' philosophy, and what has been called his 'lively experiment,' nurtured the growth of vibrant and open societies. Our pursuit of excellence in education, academic accomplishment and community service is rooted in his focus on intellectual exchange, critical thinking, inclusiveness and innovation as a means of improving a free society. It is this legacy that inspires our core purpose.

image of Mount Hope Bridge over tranquil waters from ÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥'s Bristol campus

Strategic Action Plan

With our unique mix of liberal arts and professional programs, top-notch faculty, the state’s only law school, and hubs of innovation in Providence and Bristol, Rhode Island, ÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ is poised to align our efforts and provide what the world needs from a modern, comprehensive university.

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Community Engagement Celebration

Helping Communities Near & Far

ÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ is dedicated to engaged, hands-on learning and teaching that helps strengthen society. Every student is provided the opportunity to participate in a real-world learning experience that helps a community partner locally or globally. School of Law students offer pro bono legal services, with many completing more than 100 hours of service before graduation. Every ÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ student makes an impact on our society â€“ from working in the Rhode Island community to participating in a study-abroad program overseas.

image of students at ÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ Commencement 2019

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Diversity, equity and inclusion are institutional core values at ÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥. The 2014 Vision project established DEI as a unifying thread through the institution’s core purpose of being the University the World Needs Now, and its six vision goals.

In 2017, the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion was established under an inaugural Vice President to serve as a catalyst for our institutional DEI efforts, amplifying long-standing efforts across ÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ campuses. In the 2019-20 academic year, Institutional planning processes - including the Strategic Action Planning process and Equity Action Plan development - reaffirmed these values and institutional direction.

Learn About our DEIA Initiatives
Historic sketch of Roger Williams

Who Was Roger Williams?

We draw inspiration from our namesake – the 17th century visionary and founder of Rhode Island who advocated for religious liberty, equality and a government free of religion. It is these principles that shape our vision.

Learn more about Roger Williams

More About ÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥

aerial of the Bristol campus from early in ÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥'s history

A History of Growth

ÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ started in 1956 as a junior college inside the Broad Street YMCA in Providence. We now offer more than 75 programs on two campuses.

Learn more about our history
Chef cooking steak.

Careers at ÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥

View open employment opportunities and learn more about joining our devoted community of students, faculty and staff.

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Administrative Offices

Looking for assistance? Find the appropriate ÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±Ö±²¥ administrative office for your needs here.

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