Robert Newman will not be leaving the U for the cold shores of Providence, R.I.
The College of Humanities dean was one of three finalists to become the University of Rhode Island’s new president this fall. However, on May 11, the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education selected David Dooley, vice president of academic affairs at Montana State University at Bozeman, instead of Newman, according to a URI press release.
The third candidate was Sona Andrews, vice president for academic affairs at Boise State University.
One of Newman’s strengths is in fundraising, but it wasn’t enough to clinch the deal, despite the university’s need to raise money.
Thomas Ryan, the chair of URI’s search committee, told The Providence Journal that with the university only receiving 11 percent of state funding for operating expenses, it’s important that they consider raising money. Newman previously said his successes at the U, such as his long history of extensive fundraising for the humanities college, is what brought him to URI’s attention.
Newman could not be reached for comment.