Meet the Dean

Dr. Daniel Graney serves as the Dean of Students at the University of Rhode Island (URI), where he is dedicated to supporting the 17,000 undergraduate and graduate students in both their academic and personal journeys. In this role, Dr. Graney is a trusted resource for students navigating crises and challenges, ensuring they have the guidance and support they need to thrive. His leadership within URI’s student affairs ecosystem is centered around fostering a safe, inclusive, and empowering campus environment for all.

Dr. Graney is not only the Chief Student Conduct Officer but also a deputy Title IX Coordinator and the convener of several key teams dedicated to student safety and support. These include the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART), the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT), and the Bias Resource Team (BRT). He works closely with faculty, staff, and external partners to address students of concern and to create proactive strategies to enhance campus life. His approach combines a deep commitment to student well-being with a strategic vision for creating a nurturing academic and social environment.

In addition to his leadership roles, Dr. Graney oversees specialized units like Disability, Access, and Inclusion (DAI), the Office of Community Standards, Student Support and Advocacy Services (SSAS), Alcohol and Other Drugs Education, Greek Affairs, and Commuter Affairs. Each of these areas are necessary parts of the comprehensive approach to supporting URI students in every aspect of their campus experience, from accessibility and community standards to personal challenges and student leadership.

Dr. Graney’s years of experience in student support and crisis management inform his work at URI. Prior to becoming the Dean of Students, he was the Assistant Dean for Outreach & Intervention and served as Director of Substance Abuse Prevention for several years. These roles allowed him to develop a thorough understanding of the diverse needs of students and refine his approach to helping them succeed in a dynamic academic environment.

Before joining URI, Dr. Graney was the Director of the Forensic/Addictions Unit at a community mental health center in Massachusetts, which provided him with a strong foundation in crisis intervention and mental health support. He holds a Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City and earned his Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Johnson & Wales University in 2011. Dr. Graney is also a Certified Threat Manager (CTM) through the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP), a credential that reflects his expertise in campus safety and crisis management.

Through his work, Dr. Graney continues to be a dedicated advocate for students, always seeking new ways to ensure they are supported, challenged, and empowered to achieve their full potential at URI.