Congratulations to Kim Hindle, David Smith and Roxanne Beinart
May 28, 2025
As the spring semester comes to a close, we’re proud to celebrate members of the GSO community who have been recognized for their outstanding contributions in staff support, teaching, and mentorship. This year, three GSO colleagues received prestigious honors from the URI Foundation & Alumni Engagement and the URI Graduate School for their exceptional commitment to students, research, and the University community.
URI Foundation & Alumni Engagement Excellence Awards
Each year, the URIFAE honors faculty and staff whose hard work and dedication consistently elevate their departments, colleges, and the University. Recipients are nominated by students, faculty, and staff for excelling at their positions and making the University a better place for all.
Kim Hindle – Staff Excellence Award
Kim is a senior scientific research grant assistant at the Graduate School of Oceanography. Recognized for her dedication to excellence and creative approach to overcoming challenges, Kim has made her mark on GSO. Her colleagues note, “It is no exaggeration to say that without Kim’s talents, the teams she works with would have fewer grants, fewer graduate and undergraduate students, and reduced success overall.”
David Smith – Teaching Excellence Award
David is a professor of oceanography at the Graduate School of Oceanography and was associate dean of academic affairs from 2006–2023. Over the years he has advised hundreds of graduate students who say he is genuinely interested in helping them succeed, providing career and life guidance in addition to academic oversight. David also works with K-12 educators and students, undergraduates, alumni, donors, and legislators through various programs and speaking engagements. His nominators say he is “one of the best ambassadors URI and GSO has.”
URI Graduate School Excellence Awards
Roxanne Beinart – Mentorship Excellence Award
Associate Professor Roxanne Beinart has received the URI Graduate School Excellence in Graduate Mentoring Award. The award is given to a URI graduate faculty member who has been an outstanding mentor to graduate students, and recognizes the commitment, dedication, and accomplishments of effective mentors who play a vital role in graduate education.