Navigating to the University of Rhode Island: A Comprehensive Guide
The University of Rhode Island (URI), the state's flagship public research institution and land-grant university, boasts a main campus in Kingston, Rhode Island, with satellite locations throughout the state. This article provides a detailed guide to locating and accessing the main campus, along with an overview of the university's history, academics, and notable features.
Locating the Main Campus and Key Landmarks
The University of Rhode Island's main campus is situated in the village of Kingston in southern Rhode Island. Specifically, it lies 30 miles south of Providence, 75 miles from Boston, and 160 miles from New York City.
For GPS navigation, the address is 75 Briar Lane, Kingston, RI (Robert J. Higgins Welcome Center). The main entrance is located at the traffic light intersection of Route 138 and Upper College Road. After turning onto Upper College Road, proceed to the first intersection and make a right turn. The Higgins Welcome Center parking lot is located just past the Campus Police station; turn left into the lot and walk to the front of the building to enter.
Directions to the Kingston Campus
From the North: Take I-95 South to Exit 9 (Route 4 South) in Rhode Island. Follow Route 4 to Route 1 South. Stay on Route 1 until the intersection of Route 138 West.
From the South: Take I-95 North to Exit 7 (Route 138 East).
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From Newport: Follow Route 138 West over the Newport and Jamestown bridges to Route 1. Take Route 1 South to Route 138 West.
Transportation Options
Amtrak: 800.872.7245.
RIPTA Bus: The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) bus 210/211, Kingston Flex, provides door-to-door service by reservation only.
Campus Shuttles: Free campus shuttles circulate every few minutes during peak class hours on weekdays during the academic term.
A Look into URI's History
The University of Rhode Island has evolved significantly since its inception. First chartered in 1888 as the Rhode Island State Agricultural School, associated with the state agricultural experiment station, the school was initially located at the Oliver Watson Farm in Kingston. The original farmhouse still stands and serves as a small museum.
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In 1892, the institution was reorganized as the Rhode Island College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, marking the beginning of four-year courses of study. URI considers 1892 as its founding date. The first class consisted of only seventeen students, each completing a two-year course.
Harvey Robert Turner, the college's first African American graduate, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering in 1914. He also participated in football and track.
In 1951, the school was renamed the University of Rhode Island following the establishment of the College of Arts and Sciences and the introduction of doctoral degrees. The Board of Governors for Higher Education, appointed by the governor, became the university's governing body in 1981.
Satellite Campuses
Besides the main campus in Kingston, URI has other campuses:
- Rhode Island Nursing Education Center in Providence's Jewelry District.
- The Narragansett Bay Campus in Narragansett.
- The W. Alton Jones Campus in West Greenwich (closed in June 2020).
W. Alton Jones Campus
The W. Alton Jones Campus, located in West Greenwich, was a satellite campus of the University of Rhode Island. The land was donated to the University of Rhode Island by Nettie Marie Jones, widow of businessman W. Alton Jones. In 1954, W. Alton Jones, then president of CITGO, acquired the property for hunting and fishing trips. He was a friend of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who visited the property four times for fishing, hunting, and skeet shooting.
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In 1965, the Youth Science Center (now called the Environmental Education Center or EEC) was built with funding from the W. Alton Jones Foundation. Governor John Chafee spoke at the opening ceremony. The Whispering Pines Conference Center hosted conferences, retreats, and team-building programs. In 2005, the campus was used for filming the movie "Hard Luck," starring Wesley Snipes, Cybill Shepard, and Mario Van Peebles.
The University of Rhode Island closed the Environmental Education Center and Whispering Pines Conference Center in June 2020 due to financial difficulties.
Academics and Programs
The University of Rhode Island provides a wide array of academic programs across nine schools and colleges, offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in 80 undergraduate and 49 graduate fields of study.
URI is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. The student-faculty ratio at the University of Rhode Island is 16:1, and 43.1% of its classes have fewer than 20 students.
Popular majors at University of Rhode Island include:
- Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
- Psychology, General
- Speech Communication and Rhetoric
- Kinesiology and Exercise Science
- Health-Related Knowledge and Skills, Other
Campus Environment and Resources
The Kingston campus, originally farmland purchased by the state in 1888, still features the c. 1796 Oliver Watson Farmhouse. The early buildings are centered around the main quadrangle and constructed from locally quarried granite. The campus master plan was developed by landscape architects Olmsted, Olmsted & Eliot in the 1890s.
Student Life and Athletics
URI offers a vibrant student life with a variety of activities and organizations.
Club Sports: URI has 21 club sports teams, including crew, equestrian, field hockey, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, pickleball, rugby, sailing, soccer, swimming & diving, tennis, ultimate, volleyball, and wrestling.
Intramural Sports: URI also offers 20+ intramural sports, including volleyball, badminton, dodgeball, and soccer.
Athletics: The Rhode Island Rams men's basketball team competes in the Atlantic 10 Conference and has appeared in the NCAA "March Madness" Tournament 10 times since 1961. Athletic facilities include the Ryan Center, Keaney Gymnasium, Meade Stadium, Mackal Field House, Tootell Aquatic Center, and Bradford R. Boss Arena.
Notable Alumni
The University of Rhode Island has produced numerous accomplished alumni in various fields.
Politics and Government: Lieutenant General (retired) Michael Flynn, 38th mayor of Providence Jorge Elorza, and governors of Rhode Island Lincoln Almond and J. Joseph Garrahy.
Journalism and Media: CNN correspondent John King, CNN anchor Christiane Amanpour, and CBS correspondent Vladimir Duthiers.
Arts and Entertainment: Actors J. T. Walsh and Peter Frechette.
Business and Finance: Billionaire Ben Navarro.
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