The University of Rhode Island has ascended to the highest level of research universities in the United States by earning R1 designation in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The recognition reflects URI’s broad impact and evolution into a world-class hub for research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and public scholarship. Members of the URI community joined University leaders, Gov. Dan McKee and state lawmakers, including Sen. Alana DiMario, and Reps. Kathy Fogarty, Carol McEntee, and Teresa Tanzi for a campus celebration on Feb. 13, 2025.