Michael Browner Jr., Ph.D., principal of Frank E. Thompson Middle School in Newport, was appointed to the Rhode Island Ethics Commission by Gov. Daniel J. McKee on Friday.
Browner has worked in Rhode Island education since 1998, in roles including assistant principal, elementary English language arts teacher, middle school social studies teacher, and adjunct professor at both Roger Williams University and the University of Rhode Island.
“Michael not only brings extensive knowledge and experience in education and administration but is a proven community leader who is actively working on behalf of Rhode Islanders,” McKee said in a statement. “I’m confident Michael will bring that same passion and dedication to the commission and help continue its mission of upholding the highest standards of integrity in our state.”
Browner said he was humbled and honored by the appointment.
“I am hopeful that my many years of service in the field of education in Rhode Island will be an asset to the mission of the Ethics Commission,” he said. “I am excited about the work ahead and the opportunity to serve my home state in a new capacity.”
Browner earned his doctorate in education from Rhode Island College and URI. He holds a master’s in education in school administration and a bachelor’s degree in history and secondary education, both from RIC.
He actively participates in the Rhode Island Civic Readiness Task Force, the Rhode Island Association of School Principals, and RWU’s Education Advisory Board. He serves as the church organist at the Ebenezer Baptist Church of Providence.
Full Announcement from Governor Dan McKee’s Office
Governor McKee Appoints Dr. Michael Browner Jr. to the Rhode Island Ethics Commission
PROVIDENCE, RI — Governor Dan McKee today announced his appointment of Michael Browner Jr., Ph.D., to serve on the Rhode Island Ethics Commission.
Dr. Browner currently works as the principal of Frank E. Thompson Middle School in Newport and has decades of experience across all levels of education in Rhode Island.
“Michael not only brings extensive knowledge and experience in education and administration but is a proven community leader who is actively working on behalf of Rhode Islanders,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I’m confident Michael will bring that same passion and dedication to the commission and help continue its mission of upholding the highest standards of integrity in our state.”
Dr. Browner has worked in education in Rhode Island since 1998. During his time as a Rhode Island educator, Dr. Browner has worked as an assistant principal, an elementary English language arts teacher, a middle school social studies teacher, an adjunct professor at Roger Williams University (RWU), and an adjunct professor at the University of Rhode Island (URI).
“As a Rhode Island native, I am both humbled and honored to accept this appointment to the Rhode Island Ethics Commission,” said Dr. Michael Browner Jr. “I am hopeful that my many years of service in the field of education in Rhode Island will be an asset to the mission of the Ethics Commission. I am excited about the work ahead and the opportunity to serve my home state in a new capacity.”
Dr. Browner earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Education from Rhode Island College (RIC) and URI. He holds a Master of Education in School Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in History/Secondary Education, both from RIC.
He is an active member of the Rhode Island Civic Readiness Task Force, the Rhode Island Association of School Principals, and RWU’s Education Advisory Board. Dr. Browner is also a member of the Ebenezer Baptist Church of Providence where he serves as the church organist.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
