University of Rhode Island Forms Search Committee For Next Athletics Director

KINGSTON, RI — The University of Rhode Island has launched a national search for its next vice president and director of athletics, appointing a 13-member committee to identify candidates equipped to lead the respected Division I department in a fast-changing college sports landscape.

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“URI athletics is a powerful and unifying force for our University and the broader community. It inspires pride, drives engagement, and reflects our highest aspirations of excellence,” URI President Marc Parlange said in a media release.

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“We recognize there will be significant interest in this position, and rightfully so," Parlange, who will chair the committee, said. "As we begin the search for our next director of athletics, we are committed to identifying a forward-looking leader who not only understands the competitive demands of Division I sports, but who also champions the well-rounded success of our student-athletes—in competition, in the classroom, and in service to our community.”

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The national search follows an announcement in early November that URI's longtime athletics director Thorr Bjorn is stepping down from the role.

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Brittney Miles, associate athletics director for internal operations, was appointed interim athletics director, according to the release.

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The 13-member search committee will comprise:

• Mark Antonucci, vice president for advancement; URI Foundation CEO
• Abby Benson, vice president for administration and finance
• Chelsea Berry, chief of staff
• Gareth Elliott, men’s soccer head coach
• Michael Fascitelli, Board of Trustees member
• Cheryl Foster, professor of political science
• Joe Goodwill, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering (faculty athletics representative)
• Jeff Johnson, associate athletics director for student-athlete development
• Marc Parlange, president (search committee chair)
• Tammi Reiss, women’s basketball head coach
• Ellen Reynolds, vice president for student affairs
• Thomas Ryan, Board of Trustees member
• Lily Stasaitis, student-athlete (URI Student-Athlete Advisory Committee president

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