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<\/figure>\n\u201cRhode Island is in a place right now where we\u2019re in lock step with URI making sure that this state not only provides opportunities for young people in our state, but also raises incomes for our families and makes sure we\u2019re healthy enough to enjoy the opportunity to live in a great place like Rhode Island with a premier university leading the charge,\u201d said Gov. Daniel McKee, who also lauded URI President Marc Parlange for being a \u201cchampion for URI.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The return on investment by URI, which once again was\u00a0named the No. 1 public university in New England by\u00a0The Wall Street Journal<\/em><\/a>\u00a0and maintains the prestigious R1 research designation by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, has been significant, according to URI Board of Trustees Chair Margo Cook \u201986. A\u00a0new URI economic impact study<\/a>\u00a0released yesterday reveals that the University generates $2 billion in annual economic activity across Rhode Island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, the study noted that for every $1 invested by the state of Rhode Island in URI, $17.39 is returned to the state\u2019s economy\u2014one of the highest returns on investment of any public university in the U.S. And, the University supports 17,799 jobs statewide, meaning one out of every 33 jobs in Rhode Island is connected to URI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cook said robust and sustained investment in URI\u2019s operating budget, capital infrastructure and general obligation bond will drive economic growth for all Rhode Islanders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOur work together is paying off\u2014the numbers show it\u2014and despite the challenges in the world, we can make our own future,\u201d Cook said. \u201cWe must continue this momentum in order to unlock the full potential of the University for the state.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Parlange told those at the State House the milestones that URI has achieved reflect decades of hard work by University faculty, staff and students. What URI achieved also demonstrates that the renewed investment in Rhode Island\u2019s flagship land- and sea-grant university by state leaders is paying off, Parlange said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt is clear\u2014URI is the best investment the state can make\u2014because of the return it provides to all Rhode Islanders,\u201d Parlange said. \u201cWith the leadership of our Board of Trustees and the support of state leaders, URI will continue this momentum and unlock the full potential of the University for the state.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Parlange also acknowledged the ongoing support URI has received from elected leaders, including Gov. McKee, Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, Speaker Shekarchi, Senate President Lawson, Secretary of State Gregg Amore, and Treasurer James Diossa. The Washington County delegation\u2014Sens. Susan Sosnowski and Alana DiMario, and Reps. Carol McEntee, Kathleen Fogarty, Teresa Tanzi and Tina Spears\u2014was also recognized by Parlange for their continued partnership with and support of the University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n