KINGSTON, R.I. – Aug. 26, 2021 – The University of Rhode Island has named Jean Nsabumuremyi, director of Idaho State University’s TRIO Educational Opportunity Center, as the new director of the Multicultural Student Services Center. He starts at URI Sept. 1.
Nsabumuremyi has served as director of Idaho State’s TRIO program since March 2017, previously serving as a coordinator and counselor in the program from 2015 to 2017. He formerly was adjunct professor and academic coach at the Community College of Rhode Island.
“The University is thrilled to welcome Jean to the community. He brings with him a unique background in working with diverse populations to create inclusive and supportive programs and settings,” said Kathy Collins, vice president for Student Affairs. “The Multicultural Student Services Center is a vital, welcoming space that supports and empowers our students, and Jean has the demonstrated ability and knowledge to be the perfect advocate for this diverse community.”
“I am genuinely grateful to the URI community and the Student Affairs division for choosing me as the leader of the Multicultural Student Services Center,” said Nsabumuremyi. “Rhode Island is home to me. I began my education at the Community College of Rhode Island and then continued it at Cornell University in New York. Now after almost five years at Idaho State University, I knew I needed to come back home where I can use my skills and experience. I have always admired and loved URI because of its commitment to educating the next generation of leaders. I feel humbled and passionate about my role as the next Multicultural Student Service Center.”
As director of the multicultural center, Nsabumuremyi will be responsible for developing and evaluating long-range strategic programs with and for the center’s student organizations. He will also serve as an advocate for the inclusion of multicultural students at all levels of the University, while promoting social and cultural involvement of multicultural students in the University and surrounding community.
“As director, I will make sure that groups like the Multicultural Student Services Center and Student Senate, along with Community, Equity and Diversity, the Gender and Sexuality Center, and Women’s Center have a voice and that the MSSC represents the interests of all multicultural student organizations and associations,” Nsabumuremyi said. “It’s important for the center to establish clear shared goals with these groups. It will be important for the shared goals to be accompanied by measurable outcomes. Last but not least, there are opportunities for growth and innovation.”
Nsabumuremyi grew up in refugee camps in Africa before settling in Providence and becoming the first in his family to finish high school. He graduated with an associate’s degree in general business from CCRI before earning a bachelor’s degree in development sociology and a master’s degree in public administration from Cornell University.
“As a full-time student, I juggled work, student leadership roles, and remained focused on achieving my educational goals,” he said. “As a result, I am aware of the many challenges students face to accomplish their education.”
At Idaho State, he helped establish the TRIO Educational Opportunity Center, which serves about 1,000 students annually in southern Idaho. He took over as director in March 2017 and recently led the renewal of a $1.5 million grant over the next five years. Along with the direction, strategic planning and implementation of TRIO programs, he served in such areas as community outreach, budget management, recruitment of program participants, supervising and training staff, advising students, and advocating for students in settings such as financial aid and the registrar and admission offices.
He comes to URI with extensive experience in writing successful grant proposals, assisting students who are refugees and serving as a board member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He is fluent in multiple languages, including Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, and French.
“We are excited to welcome Jean Nsabumuremyi to the University of Rhode Island campus and community. He has served as an effective and empathetic leader at his prior institution and is ready to serve as an advocate, a collaborator, and a great partner in his role as director of the Multicultural Student Services Center,” Kristina Moyet, associate director of Talent Development and head of the search committee. “Nsabumuremyi sees challenges as opportunities and isn’t afraid to roll up his sleeves and get to work especially when serving underrepresented and marginalized communities.”