KINGSTON, R.I. – Oct. 17, 2025 – The University of Rhode Island has officially launched the Kent and Diane Fannon Institute for Student Success, a revitalized and modernized version of University College, designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s students.

Named in honor of alumni and longtime supporters Diane ’74 and Kent ’74 Fannon, the new institute reflects URI’s commitment to student achievement, career readiness, and holistic support. The Fannons have been long-time donors to the University and are passionate about providing support for students to thrive during their college career.

The institute brings together five key areas under one umbrella: Career and Experiential Education, Academic Enhancement, Retention and Academic Success, Exploratory Studies Advising, and Student-Athlete Support Services, offering personalized guidance from orientation through graduation.

“This transformation ensures every student has access to the tools, mentorship, and resources needed to succeed,” says Kim Stack, executive director of the institute. “It’s about meeting students where they are and helping them find their spark.”

The launch aligns with URI’s Focus URI strategic plan and introduces URI C.A.R.E.S., a framework for coordinated student support. The initiative also reflects national trends in higher education, emphasizing career pathways, academic persistence, and student belonging.

A celebration on Friday, Oct. 17 recognized the University’s mission to help undergraduate students find a successful path through URI, and announced the renaming of University College in honor of URI alumni and supporters Diane and Kent Fannon. The college will now be the Kent and Diane Fannon Institute for Student Success.

Kim Stack, executive director of the institute, says the renaming and recent reorganization highlights that the programs found there are not only for students deciding a major, they are central for students to find success at all points in their URI journey.

The renaming also celebrates the longtime support of the Fannons, who celebrated their 50th reunion at URI last year and were inspired to make a gift to support URI work to help students succeed, establishing the Diane and Kent Fannon Education Research Endowment. They have also supported students directly through scholarships and the College of Business through an endowed fund to support Career Day.

“At URI, every student’s journey and success matter,” says URI President Marc Parlange. “I’m so grateful to the Fannons for their vision and generosity, and to our faculty, staff, and students who bring this mission to life every single day.”

Launch of new Fannon Institute for Student Success shows URI C.A.R.E.S.

The Fannons say that University support makes a difference.

Diane notes, “In my freshman and sophomore years, I was great at living the college life, but I was not a great student—until the day I met with a dean who changed my life. He turned me toward something that I could focus on and feel passionate about.”

Kent adds, “We want today’s students to have the same experience, to access the support they need and find the spark that ignites passion and leads them to think big.”

The institute is now rolling out enhanced offerings for undecided students and also consolidating its offerings for better efficiency in University services.

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the University to look closely at how it was supporting student success as students emerged from a period of learning loss, according to Stack, noting student expectations are changing and the need to evolve to meet their needs. Consolidating programs in one place brings multiple efforts together into one center that works in concert.

“With five areas led by dedicated experts, the Fannon Institute for Student Success is uniquely positioned to deliver personalized, holistic support to undergraduate students at every stage of their academic journey,” says Barbara Wolfe, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.

The institute’s working acronym—URI C.A.R.E.S.—points toward each component:

Center for Career and Experiential Education (CCEE)

URI’s career education specialists support students by major, helping them find and prepare for jobs and internships. CCEE also summarizes college highlights, which are shared on the website, manages the Handshake platform, and provides alumni labor market data.

Academic Enhancement Center (AEC)

The AEC provides free academic support in the form of content tutoring, Writing Center consultations, peer academic coaching, and learning strategy courses.

Retention and Academic Success

URI’s new Retention and Academic Success Center advances student persistence, belonging, and achievement through proactive outreach, success coaching, and collaboration with faculty and campus partners. The team leads initiatives including early alert, first-year and transfer programs, the first-year seminar, undergraduate mentoring, data-informed assessment, and the coordination and management of Starfish.

Exploratory Studies Advising

Approximately 350 students enter the University undecided about their major each year, and 2,000 students change their majors annually, according to Stack. To assist exploring students on this journey, specialized advising and career seminars are offered each semester and students can also access major-to-career web pages.

Student-Athlete Support Services

Five hundred NCAA Division I student-athletes from 17 men’s and women’s teams receive academic support and advising based on their needs. Academic advisors/learning specialists support them as they navigate the challenges of collegiate athletics and university life while also ensuring compliance with NCAA academic eligibility bylaws.