KINGSTON, R.I. — May 12, 2025 — The University of Rhode Island has named Jean VanderGheynst as dean of its College of the Environment and Life Sciences. VanderGheynst, a respected educator, researcher, and higher education leader, currently is a tenured professor at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where she previously served as dean of the College of Engineering for six years.

“We are excited to welcome Jean to Rhode Island and URI,” said Barbara Wolfe, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “Jean has a proven record of developing academic programs that foster student success and elevate faculty research. I am confident that she will bring the same qualities that helped her excel at UMass Dartmouth and UC Davis—vision and leadership, collaboration and innovation, and a commitment to excellence—to her role as dean at URI.”

VanderGheynst served as engineering dean at UMass Dartmouth from 2018 to 2024, where she played a pivotal role in enhancing research initiatives and strengthening educational programs. Her leadership at the university encompassed six academic departments, and more than 800 undergraduate students and 700 graduate students. While serving as dean of engineering, she also served as interim dean of the School for Marine Science and Technology for three years.

“It is an honor to join the University of Rhode Island as the next dean of the College of the Environment and Life Sciences and serve an outstanding community of faculty, staff, and students,” said VanderGheynst. “With its land- and sea-grant missions and strong foundation in research and teaching excellence, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the college is well positioned to address regional and global grand challenges.”

Prior to her tenure in Massachusetts, from 1996 to 2018, she held academic appointments in biological and agricultural engineering at the University of California, Davis, advancing through the academic ranks from assistant professor to full professor with tenure. Jean also held several leadership roles with increasing responsibility at UC Davis, culminating in her appointment as executive associate dean for research and graduate studies.

Her research focuses on next-generation biofuels, bioproducts, and agricultural biotechnology, and explores innovative approaches to converting plant biomass into valuable products, addressing global challenges in sustainability, energy, and natural resource protection.

VanderGheynst has authored more than 150 publications and reports and has served as principal investigator on extramural awards totaling more than $11 million and co-principal investigator on an additional $17.7 million in contracts and grants. She holds two U.S. patents.

VanderGheynst earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Syracuse University, and master’s and Ph.D. degrees in agricultural and biological engineering from Cornell University. She served on the Massachusetts Economic Development Planning Council and as a board member and chair of several editorial and advisory boards.

URI’s College of the Environment and Life Sciences is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to addressing global challenges in environmental sustainability, agriculture, and public health. With a strong emphasis on research and hands-on learning, the college offers students opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research, field studies, and internships that have both local and global impact.

As dean, VanderGheynst will provide leadership for the advancement and quality of academic, research, and extension programs; build community among faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends; implement efforts to obtain external private and public support; and represent the college and URI throughout the state, and at national and international levels.

VanderGheynst’s appointment follows the retirement of longtime dean John Kirby in March and concludes a successful national search. She will begin her role as dean at the University on July 1, 2025.