BOARD OF GOVERNORS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION NAMES

INTERIM PRESIDENT AT CCRI

Chair Frank Caprio and Commissioner of Higher Education Jack Warner announced the appointment of Ray Michael Di Pasquale as interim president of the Community College of Rhode Island.  He replaces Dr. Thomas Sepe who decided not to seek reappointment.

Mr. Di Pasquale comes to CCRI from the SUNY College at Brockport, New York where he has been vice president for enrollment management and student affairs, a division that includes admissions, financial aid, student services and retention as well as such diverse programs as Upward Bound, Equal Educational Opportunity, intercollegiate athletics and judicial affairs.  During the past year, he also served as interim vice president for institutional advancement.  Prior to his service at SUNY Brockport, Di Pasquale served for nearly 20 years at Springfield Technical Community College, the last six of which were as vice president for enrollment management and student affairs.  He also spent five years as assistant director of admissions and director of athletics at Middlesex Community College in Bedford Massachusetts.  Di Pasquale also has had an exemplary career in public service, having served as an elected member of the Springfield, Massachusetts City Council and School Committee.

In announcing his appointment, Chair Caprio stated, “We are fortunate to have been able to attract such a distinguished higher education professional to lead CCRI at such a critical time in its history.  I am impressed by Mr. DiPasquale’s distinguished 33-year career in public higher education and public service.  My fellow board members and I are confident that he will be able to build a commitment to excellence with all stakeholders.”

Commissioner Jack Warner added these observations:  “Ray DiPasquale is a proven leader in public higher education.  His focus on the success of students is especially critical for a public community college that serves as the gateway to opportunity for so many Rhode Islanders.  I am also confident that Ray’s career in public service gives him a keen understanding of the special relationship between our community college and the workforce and economic development needs of our state.  I look forward to a fruitful and collaborative relationship with Ray.”