University of Rhode Island Appoints New Dean for College of the Environment and Life Sciences
KINGSTON, R.I. — May 12, 2025 — The University of Rhode Island (URI) has announced Jean VanderGheynst as the new dean of its College of the Environment and Life Sciences. A tenured professor at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where she also served as dean of the College of Engineering, VanderGheynst brings extensive experience in academia and research leadership.
Barbara Wolfe, URI’s provost and executive vice president, emphasized VanderGheynst’s impressive track record in enhancing academic programs and fostering research innovation, stating, “We are excited to welcome Jean to Rhode Island and URI.” VanderGheynst’s leadership at UMass Dartmouth included overseeing six academic departments and nearly 1,500 students, and she also served as interim dean of the School for Marine Science and Technology.
In her new role, VanderGheynst aims to leverage URI’s land- and sea-grant missions to tackle global challenges in sustainability and agriculture. With over 150 publications and substantial grant funding throughout her career, she is well-positioned to advance URI’s research and educational initiatives.
VanderGheynst will assume her new position on July 1, 2025, following the retirement of longtime dean John Kirby.
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