Head of URI waits for board to be chosen to discuss contract
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — The president of the University of Rhode Island is waiting to discuss a new contract until a board of trustees can be put into place at the school.
Tim DelGiudice, chairman of the Rhode Island Council on Postsecondary Education, told The Public's Radio that URI President David Dooley agreed to delay a discussion about his future until the new governance structure takes effect, currently scheduled for Feb. 1.
Dooley has been president since July 2009. His three-year contract expires July 1. He declined to be interviewed before he speaks with the new board members.
The South Kingstown, Rhode Island university asked for a board that focuses on finances, enrollment and research opportunities on a multi-year basis. Currently, the six-member Council on Postsecondary Education oversees the state's universities.
The state budget passed last year created the board. The governor has not yet sent nominees for the 17 voting members to the state Senate. The administration is still reviewing candidates, a spokesman said.
DelGiudice said he expects the new board will consider Dooley's tenure in its totality and how he has transformed the university.