An experienced workforce development professional with strong ties to Rhode Island has taken over the helm of CCRI’s Division for Lifelong Learning. Dean Robin A. Smith was named to lead the division, whose programs include customized training, community education, literacy education and personal enrichment courses, in mid-October.

“Each day that I serve as dean of Lifelong Learning at CCRI, I become increasingly impressed by the breadth of the division’s offerings, as well as the tremendous skills and dedication of the staff,” says Smith.

“I hope to build on the innovative programming already occurring within the division, and to raise the visibility of Lifelong Learning within the community through outreach and participation at the local level,” she says. “When it comes to workforce development and adult basic education, CCRI should be the first choice of all Rhode Island businesses and organizations.”

Smith comes to CCRI from Bristol Community College where she was director of the Center for Business and Industry for 10 years. The center serves as an educational and training resource for individuals, companies, and agencies in Southeastern Massachusetts, providing high-quality professional training to meet business and industry needs. Prior to her time at BCC, she served as project coordinator/instructor for the Labor Education Center at the University of Massachusetts in Dartmouth, MA, and as an ESOL instructor at CCRI.

“Robin’s background and credentials are exactly what we needed for this key leadership position at the community college,” says Thomas D. Sepe, president of CCRI. “She was selected from an outstanding group of candidates interviewed from institutions across the country.”

Smith replaces Vincent DeSanctis who has been serving in dual capacities as dean of Lifelong Learning as well as associate vice president of the new CCRI Newport County Campus. DeSanctis will now concentrate his efforts in growing the new campus which opened to students this September.

Smith earned her B.A. degree in East Asian Languages and Literature from Indiana University and her M.A. degree in Early Childhood Education from New York University. She has also completed ESOL course work at Rhode Island College.

Her professional associations are extensive and include presidency of the Rotary Club of Fall River for 2004 – 2005 and ongoing participation in the Chambers of Commerce of Attleboro, Fall River, New Bedford and Taunton, MA. She is also a member of the board of directors for People, Inc. and the Fall River Area Department of Social Services. Other business community associations include the Southeastern Massachusetts Manufacturing Consortium, SouthCoast Human Resource Council, and Ocean Economy Working Group.

Now a resident of Westport, MA., Smith and her family previously lived in East Greenwich, RI for 22 years. All four of her children graduated from high schools in Rhode Island.