Roger Williams University President Ioannis Miaoulis will retire at the end of the current academic year on May 31, 2026, the university announced Tuesday, capping seven years of leadership.
The Board of Trustees has appointed Chief of Staff Brian Williams as interim president beginning June 1.
“This decision comes from a deeply personal place. I believe it is best for my well-being and, just as importantly, best for the university,” Miaoulis said in a statement. “This is the right moment for RWU to begin its next chapter, building on the momentum our community has created together. Leading this university has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career, and I will continue to follow its progress with pride.”
During Miaoulis’ tenure, the university expanded experiential learning opportunities, strengthened its presence in Providence and advanced initiatives across law, justice and public service, according to the university. RWU also deepened its commitment to community engagement through partnerships with local communities and correctional education programs.
The university said significant progress was made in alumni engagement and philanthropy, including a $20 million gift to name the Cumming School of Architecture — the largest gift in the university’s history — along with continued investment in academic programs, student support and campus facilities.
Reflecting on his time at RWU, Miaoulis said students had been at the heart of the work. “What inspires me most is not the milestones or the metrics, but our students,” he said. “The students who arrive with bright-eyed ambition and leave with a deeper sense of purpose. The students whose love for this place endures long after graduation. It has been a privilege to be part of their lives during the brief time our paths have crossed.”
Board Chair Heather N. Boujoulian thanked Miaoulis for his service. “We are grateful for President Miaoulis’ dedication to Roger Williams University and the many contributions he has made over the past seven years,” she said. “He has helped strengthen the university’s academic foundation, expand its impact in the community, and position RWU for continued success. On behalf of the Board, we thank President Miaoulis for his service and wish him the very best in this next chapter.”
Williams will continue to advance the university’s mission of providing a student-centered education focused on purpose, leadership and impact, the university said.
Roger Williams University is a comprehensive university with a liberal arts core and professional programs, with campuses in Bristol and Providence. It is ranked No. 35 Best Regional University in the North by U.S. News & World Report and was recognized among the 2025 Best Law Schools by The Princeton Review. The RWU Extension School was named No. 1 for Best Online Colleges in Rhode Island by Forbes.
