John Olerio named to Providence Business News 40 Under Forty list
KINGSTON, R.I. – July 31, 2025 – University of Rhode Island Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives John Olerio M.B.A. ’11, Ph.D. ’20 has been recognized with a PBN 40 Under Forty Award by Providence Business News. The annual award recognizes individuals under the age of 40 who have excelled in their profession and are involved in our local community.
In his role as executive director of Strategic Initiatives, Summer Sessions, and Winter J Term, Olerio has led efforts that have had a lasting impact on both the University and the broader Rhode Island community. He was instrumental in the establishment and growth of URI’s Winter J Term, creating a new academic semester with hundreds of academic opportunities that have helped thousands of students earn credits, stay on track, and accelerate their path to graduation. His leadership has been pivotal in the creation of the URI Summer Pell Completion Grant, which helps students continue their academic progress. Under Olerio’s guidance, URI’s summer enrollment has also grown to record levels, transforming a traditionally quiet time into a vibrant academic season.
Olerio, who joined URI in 2010, was nominated for the award by colleagues who describe him as a dedicated and innovative leader who accomplishes goals in a collaborative and humble manner.
His colleagues say that Olerio thinks creatively about ways to help make achieving a URI degree possible for students and brings a commitment to public service to his work. With a promotion last year to helm the University’s Office of Strategic Initiatives, he is now leading programs that help upskill and reskill the Rhode Island workforce.
Olerio has expanded the University’s reach, forging partnerships across Rhode Island. His team’s recent work bringing mental health and first aid training to key companies in the state like FM exemplifies his belief in higher education as a driver of public good.
Olerio also teaches first-year URI 101 courses, is an adjunct faculty member in the College of Business, and has co-chaired the URI Student Success Team.
“Dr. Olerio is a collaborative and impactful leader whose work is essential to the ongoing success of URI and the students it serves,” says Dean Libutti, associate vice president for enrollment management and student success. “His mindset and dedication made him an ideal candidate for the 40 Under Forty distinction.”
Olerio received his award at an event this July at the Aldrich Mansion in Warwick, enjoying the chance to celebrate with other 2025 honorees, including URI alumni Alyssa Alvarado, Governor’s Workforce Board; Alexandra Curtis, Rhode Island National Guard; Katherine Fish, CVS Health; Carrie Gill, Rhode Island Energy; Eric Lichatin, Centreville Bank; Kelley McShane, The Granny Squibb Company; and Justine Oliva, Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council.
“URI has been so wonderful,” Olerio says. “I really appreciated the honor and being able to celebrate with my colleagues and this year’s winners. The support means a great deal to me and I can’t say enough how supportive a place URI is. That’s why I love this community.”
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