WARWICK, R.I. ― Rhode Island College has a new president.
Frank Sanchez, vice chancellor for student affairs at the City University of New York, was named Rhode Island College’s 10th president after a vote Wednesday by the Council on Postsecondary Education, The Providence Journal reported.
He is expected to start his new job in the fall, succeeding Nancy Carriuolo, who is stepping down May 21. His salary hasn’t been negotiated.
Sanchez, 48, was one of four candidates recommended by a search committee of school faculty, staff and students. His track record in implementing effective initiatives for student success and enrollment management were among the reasons he was chosen, said William Foulkes, council chairman who headed the search committee.
The predominantly commuter college has experienced sagging enrollments; its four-year graduation rate during the 2014-2015 academic year was 14.5 percent.
Sanchez said at a forum last week the college needs to teach “portable skills” ― such as learning to work with people of different backgrounds ― in order to improve the school’s retention and graduation rates and prepare students for careers.
The college’s interim vice president for advancement, Clark Green, will serve as interim president.
