Meghan Hughes, Ph.D., announces departure from CCRI
Meghan Hughes, Ph.D., announces departure from CCRI
March 16, 2023
Dr. Meghan Hughes, President of the Community College of Rhode Island since 2016,
has announced today that she will step down from her position, effective August 31,
2023.
As the fifth president of CCRI, and the first female president, Dr. Hughes is recognized
as a higher education visionary who led the transformation at the community college
with an unwavering focus on student success and a commitment to providing Rhode Islanders
with an outstanding education that leads to strong learning outcomes, successful degree
attainment, and robust labor market opportunities. Dr. Hughes has placed closing equity
performance gaps at the center of her work. Under her leadership, the college achieved
the highest graduation rates in more than 20 years, outpacing national two-and three-year
graduation rates, and was named the 2019 two-year college of the year by Education
Dive magazine.
Dr. Hughes fiercely advocated for the creation of a free college tuition program at
CCRI, which has become a model for similar programs across the country. Since the
program launched in 2017, the RI Promise Scholarship program resulted in dramatic
improvements in enrollment and graduation rates for students, in particular for low
income students and students of color.
Led by Dr. Hughes, CCRI’s partnerships with government and industry have transformed
the labor market landscape through collaborative building of in-demand credentials
that allow Rhode Islanders to receive the training needed to compete in today’s economy
and provide a pipeline of qualified employees for businesses. CCRI’s Division of Workforce
Partnerships trains more than 4,000 Rhode Island residents annually in short-term,
labor-market driven credentials and is the leading educational partner for General
Dynamics Electric Boat for its submarine building facilities in New London, CT and
Quonset, RI. CCRI is also poised to launch the state’s first GWO training program
in support of multiple offshore wind farms expected to be constructed in the coming
years.
Creating an inclusive, diverse and anti-racist college community has been a leading
priority for Dr. Hughes. During her tenure, the college created the first ever Office
of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Organizational Development and reformed how
the college attracts, hires, and retains a diverse talent of faculty and staff.
Dr. Hughes will complete her service at CCRI after successfully leading the College
through the challenges of the pandemic and building a strong leadership team that
will continue to position the college for future success in providing thousands of
Rhode Islanders access to an affordable, high-quality education.
“Serving as CCRI’s president has been the greatest professional honor of my lifetime,
and I am profoundly grateful to all the faculty, staff, students, and broader Rhode
Island community members who have taught me so much and who continue to inspire me
daily,” said Dr. Hughes. “I believe the time is right to transition the college to
new presidential leadership by summer’s end as CCRI is strong and continuing to grow
ever stronger. We have largely emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, our enrollment
continues to recover each semester, and we are laser focused on supporting strong
student learning outcomes. Our commitment to creating equitable access and delivering
outstanding credentials that lead to quality employment and seamless transfer is powerfully
advanced every day across all four campuses, and I have full confidence in our faculty,
staff, and administrators to continue advancing this work.
“President Hughes has been a bold, visionary leader at CCRI,” said Governor Dan McKee.
“From making community college more accessible, to increasing graduation rates, and
working together to create innovative job training partnerships in key sectors like
offshore wind, President Hughes has been a true partner on our team and a key part
of our Administration's work to strengthen our state's higher education ecosystem."
"I speak on behalf of the entire Council on Postsecondary Education when I say how
much we will miss Dr. Hughes’ passion and commitment to the CCRI community,” said
David Caprio, Esq., Chair of the Council on Postsecondary Education. "Her transformational
leadership has profoundly impacted countless lives and elevated CCRI to one of the
best community colleges in the nation."
“We wish Meghan Hughes all the best in her future endeavors, and we are certain she
will be successful based on her achievements while serving Rhode Islanders as the
president of the Community College of Rhode Island,” said Shannon Gilkey, Ed.D., Rhode
Island’s Commissioner of Postsecondary Education. “On behalf of the Council on Postsecondary
Education, I thank Dr. Hughes for her years of valued service to public higher education
in our state and share our deep appreciation for her leadership. Dr. Hughes has been
a relentless champion of CCRI and it showed in everything she did as president. Immediately,
the council will begin the process to fill the vacancy at the college’s helm and will
seek candidates with high caliber academic and institutional management experience
who will prepare Rhode Islanders with high quality degrees and certifications required
to be successful in the modern economy.”
Dr. Hughes chairs the Board of Directors for the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce
and serves on the Board of Directors of the Rhode Island Foundation and the Federal
Reserve Bank of Boston. In addition, she serves as a member on the Council on Competitiveness,
the College Board’s Community College Advisory Panel, Congressman David Cicilline’s
Women’s Advisory Council, and the Rhode Island Commodores.
Dr. Hughes is an Aspen Institute Fellow for Community College Excellence. She was
presented with the “Trailblazer in Education” award in 2018 at the Realizing Inspiration
& Sustaining Excellence Women’s Leadership Conference. Hughes was recognized by the
Latino Public Radio Foundation with its Foundation Builder Award in 2016 and by the
Rhode Island Foundation with its Community Leader award in 2015. In 2014, U.S. Rep.
David Cicilline named Hughes an Outstanding Woman of the Year.
The Council on Postsecondary Education is expected to announce plans for an interim
president by the April 19 meeting.
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The Community College of Rhode Island and Rhode Island Energy are teaming up to offer a free exploratory program designed to give participants a window into the growing utilities industry.
Introduction to Utilities – free to anyone who meets eligibility requirements through funding from Rhode Island Energy – is a seven-hour introductory course that provides participants with foundational skills and knowledge to explore career pathways within the utilities sector, specifically with Rhode Island Energy.
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On Thursday, May 15, 2025, the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) celebrated a milestone achievement: its 60th Commencement Ceremony. Held at the Amica Mutual Pavilion, the event marked the culmination of CCRI’s year-long diamond anniversary celebration and was a stirring tribute to six decades of transformation, opportunity, and achievement for Rhode Islanders.
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The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) softball team is headed back to the NJCAA Division III Softball World Series for the second consecutive season following another remarkable run in 2025. With a 19-7 overall record, CCRI is currently ranked No. 6 in the NJCAA Division III national poll and will represent the Northeast District and Region XXI at the World Series, held May 21–24 at Carrier Park in Dewitt, NY.
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Brendan Murphy, former Smithfield, RI, resident and one of the most prolific scorers in the history of the Community College of Rhode Island’s men’s basketball program, was honored recently as the college’s Athletic Alumni Award recipient at the state’s 2024–25 Scholar-Athlete Awards ceremony hosted by House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi.
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Ten student-athletes from the Community College of Rhode Island were honored last week for their athletic and academic achievements as part of the annual Scholar-Athlete Awards held in House Chamber of the Rhode Island State House. The Legislative Awards are designed to provide public recognition for student-athletes from CCRI, Rhode Island College, and the University of Rhode Island for significant achievements in their academic and athletic pursuits. The honorees have also demonstrated exemplary citizenship and community service.
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The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) and Rhode Island College (RIC) are proud to announce the launch of a new, fully online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-to-BSN) program. This innovative partnership offers CCRI nursing graduates a seamless, affordable, and flexible pathway to earn their BSN while delivering the academic rigor and clinical relevance that Rhode Island’s healthcare system demands.
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The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) has partnered with United Way of Rhode Island to establish a 211 satellite office on CCRI’s Warwick campus, expanding access to essential community resources for students. This collaboration underscores CCRI’s ongoing commitment to removing barriers to student success and ensuring students have the support they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
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Warwick, R.I. – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) is proud to announce the launch of a new Ophthalmic Technician training program through its Division of Workforce Partnerships. This 120-hour program, beginning in May 2025, is free of charge and designed to prepare participants for immediate employment in a fast-growing healthcare field.
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The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) Foundation has appointed four new members to its Board of Trustees. We are honored to welcome these four distinguished leaders to the CCRI Foundation,” said Rosemary Costigan, Ph.D, RN, Interim President of CCRI. “Their diverse backgrounds, deep ties to the community, and shared dedication will support us in advancing the college’s mission of access, equity and opportunity.
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The Community College of Rhode Island and Rhode Island Energy are teaming up to offer a free exploratory program designed to give participants a window into the growing utilities industry.
Introduction to Utilities – free to anyone who meets eligibility requirements through funding from Rhode Island Energy – is a seven-hour introductory course that provides participants with foundational skills and knowledge to explore career pathways within the utilities sector, specifically with Rhode Island Energy.
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Warwick, RI – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) proudly announces that four distinguished faculty members have been recognized with the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards. The recipients, honored for their exceptional dedication to student success and academic excellence
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Warwick, RI – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) is proud to announce that it has been designated a Military Friendly® School for the fourth consecutive year, achieving Gold status for the first time during the 2025–2026 academic year. This prestigious recognition underscores CCRI's unwavering commitment to supporting military service members, veterans, and their families.
'Overjoyed' CCRI Graduate Opens Up On Getting Engaged At Commencement'
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Warwick, RI -- Samantha Lescarbeau knew she would experience one life-changing event at CCRI commencement. But she never expected what would happen after she walked across the stage at Amica Mutual Pavillion on May 15.
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Warwick, RI -- The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) proudly announced the winners of its 2025 Student Film Festival following a weekend of cinematic talent and storytelling. The festival kicked off with a red-carpet gala on Friday, May 10, and continued on Saturday, May 11, with a full day of student film screenings. The event drew students, faculty, and local film lovers to celebrate the achievements of CCRI’s talented filmmakers.
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May 22, 2025
Warwick, RI – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) will launch the next phase of work-based learning to increase internships for students to work directly in workplace environments, gaining valuable skills and experience necessary for college and career success.
CCRI and Delta Dental of Rhode Island Partner to Strengthen Dental Workforce for Rhode Island's Future
May 20, 2025
A partnership between the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) and Delta Dental of Rhode Island (DDRI) is building a pipeline of highly trained, workforce-ready dental hygienists to respond to a nationwide demand for dental hygienists and lay the groundwork for a stronger, more sustainable oral healthcare system in Rhode Island.
CCRI Celebrates its 60th Commencement with Powerful Speeches, Generational Milestones, and a Proud Legacy of Alumni
May 16, 2025
On Thursday, May 15, 2025, the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) celebrated a milestone achievement: its 60th Commencement Ceremony. Held at the Amica Mutual Pavilion, the event marked the culmination of CCRI’s year-long diamond anniversary celebration and was a stirring tribute to six decades of transformation, opportunity, and achievement for Rhode Islanders.
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May 14, 2025
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) softball team is headed back to the NJCAA Division III Softball World Series for the second consecutive season following another remarkable run in 2025. With a 19-7 overall record, CCRI is currently ranked No. 6 in the NJCAA Division III national poll and will represent the Northeast District and Region XXI at the World Series, held May 21–24 at Carrier Park in Dewitt, NY.
Record-Breaking CCRI Alum and World-Renowned Artist Brendan Murphy Receives Athletic Alumni Award
May 13, 2025
Brendan Murphy, former Smithfield, RI, resident and one of the most prolific scorers in the history of the Community College of Rhode Island’s men’s basketball program, was honored recently as the college’s Athletic Alumni Award recipient at the state’s 2024–25 Scholar-Athlete Awards ceremony hosted by House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi.
CCRI Student Athletes Honored at this Year's State Scholar-Athlete Awards
May 07, 2025
Ten student-athletes from the Community College of Rhode Island were honored last week for their athletic and academic achievements as part of the annual Scholar-Athlete Awards held in House Chamber of the Rhode Island State House. The Legislative Awards are designed to provide public recognition for student-athletes from CCRI, Rhode Island College, and the University of Rhode Island for significant achievements in their academic and athletic pursuits. The honorees have also demonstrated exemplary citizenship and community service.
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May 06, 2025
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) and Rhode Island College (RIC) are proud to announce the launch of a new, fully online Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-to-BSN) program. This innovative partnership offers CCRI nursing graduates a seamless, affordable, and flexible pathway to earn their BSN while delivering the academic rigor and clinical relevance that Rhode Island’s healthcare system demands.
CCRI Partners with United Way to Open 211 Satellite Office
April 29, 2025
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) has partnered with United Way of Rhode Island to establish a 211 satellite office on CCRI’s Warwick campus, expanding access to essential community resources for students. This collaboration underscores CCRI’s ongoing commitment to removing barriers to student success and ensuring students have the support they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.
CCRI Launches Free Ophthalmic Technician Training Program
April 23, 2025
Warwick, R.I. – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) is proud to announce the launch of a new Ophthalmic Technician training program through its Division of Workforce Partnerships. This 120-hour program, beginning in May 2025, is free of charge and designed to prepare participants for immediate employment in a fast-growing healthcare field.
CCRI Foundation Elects Four New Members to its Board of Trustees
April 23, 2025
The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) Foundation has appointed four new members to its Board of Trustees. We are honored to welcome these four distinguished leaders to the CCRI Foundation,” said Rosemary Costigan, Ph.D, RN, Interim President of CCRI. “Their diverse backgrounds, deep ties to the community, and shared dedication will support us in advancing the college’s mission of access, equity and opportunity.
CCRI and Rhode Island Energy partner to launch free utilities career exploration program
April 17, 2025
The Community College of Rhode Island and Rhode Island Energy are teaming up to offer a free exploratory program designed to give participants a window into the growing utilities industry.
Introduction to Utilities – free to anyone who meets eligibility requirements through funding from Rhode Island Energy – is a seven-hour introductory course that provides participants with foundational skills and knowledge to explore career pathways within the utilities sector, specifically with Rhode Island Energy.
Four CCRI Faculty Honored with NISOD Awards of Excellence
April 10, 2025
Warwick, RI – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) proudly announces that four distinguished faculty members have been recognized with the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Excellence Awards. The recipients, honored for their exceptional dedication to student success and academic excellence
CCRI Achieves Gold Status as Military Friendly® School
April 10, 2025
Warwick, RI – The Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) is proud to announce that it has been designated a Military Friendly® School for the fourth consecutive year, achieving Gold status for the first time during the 2025–2026 academic year. This prestigious recognition underscores CCRI's unwavering commitment to supporting military service members, veterans, and their families.