Roger Williams University announces retirement of its president

Roger Williams University (RWU) President Ioannis N. “Yannis” Miaoulis will retire at the end of the current academic year after seven years leading the school, the university announced Tuesday.

“I believe it is best for my well-being and, just as importantly, best for the university,” Miaoulis said in a statement released by the university. “This is the right moment for RWU to begin its next chapter, building on the momentum our community has created together. Leading this university has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career, and I will continue to follow its progress with pride.”

Miaoulis will continue to preside over events and ceremonies through Commencement, celebrating the Class of 2026 and their accomplishments, Heather N. Boujoulian, chair of the Board of Trustees, said in an email to the campus community. His retirement will be effective on May 31. 

Miaoulis, who holds a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering from Tufts University, took over the leadership of RWU in 2019 after previously serving as president and director of the Museum of Science in Boston. He took a temporary medical leave last year.

The Board of Trustees appointed Brian Williams, chief of staff, as interim president, effective June 1, Boujoulian said. Williams joined the university in 2017 originally as vice president for enrollment management and marketing and has served as chief of staff since 2019, serving as primary advisor to the president on institutional strategy and planning. 

Boujoulian said Williams has the full support of the board and will have “full presidential authority.”

During Miaoulis’ tenure as president, the university secured $20 million to name the Cumming School of Architecture, the largest gift in university history, and strengthened alumni engagement. RWU also expanded experiential learning opportunities and advanced initiatives across law, justice, and public service. 

But a furlough plan requiring most faculty and staff to take a one-week unpaid furlough before the end of this fiscal year that Miaoulis announced last November prompted grievances from all three bargaining units. Unionized employees also picketed on the sidewalk along the entrance to the Bristol campus. Miaoulis said the furloughs were necessary to close a $3.5 million budget gap for this fiscal year.  

The average tenure of a college or university president was 5.9 years in 2022, down from 8.5 years in 2006, according to data from the American Council on Education.

Boujoulian thanked Miaoulis for his leadership and contributions to the university.

“He has helped strengthen the university’s academic foundation, expand its impact in the community, and position RWU for continued success,” she said in a statement. “On behalf of the Board, we thank President Miaoulis for his service and wish him the very best in this next chapter.”