{"id":17,"date":"2019-11-18T16:33:35","date_gmt":"2019-11-18T21:33:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/?page_id=17"},"modified":"2025-12-29T16:06:52","modified_gmt":"2025-12-29T21:06:52","slug":"home","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/","title":{"rendered":"Office of Strategic Initiatives"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"cl-wrapper cl-hero-wrapper\"><div class=\"cl-hero super   cl-has-accessibility-controls\"><div class=\"cl-hero-proper\"><div class=\"overlay\"><div class=\"block\"><h1>The URI Office of Strategic Initiatives<\/h1><p>We bring URI to YOU!<\/p><\/div><\/div><div id=\"59e98008-d107-b2a3-23e6-4c73ad60b2c4\" data-video=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/1056017010?share=copy\" data-platform=\"vimeo\" class=\"poster\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/i.vimeocdn.com\/video\/1981690136-04b635981a9f74ef6e60ad950157ef4210e7b98f71b2eabcbf5647e5c02f8b1f-d);\"><\/div><div class=\"cl-accessibility-controls-container\"><div class=\"cl-accessibility-controls\"><div class=\"cl-accessibility-icon\" title=\"Accessibility controls\">Accessibility controls<\/div><div class=\"cl-accessibility-control cl-accessibility-motion-control\"><div class=\"cl-accessibility-control-default\"><div class=\"cl-accessibility-control-button\" title=\"Pause motion\">Pause motion<\/div><div class=\"cl-accessibility-control-label\">Motion: <span class=\"cl-accessibility-syntax\">On<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cl-accessibility-control-alternate\"><div class=\"cl-accessibility-control-button\" title=\"Play motion\">Play motion<\/div><div class=\"cl-accessibility-control-label\">Motion: <span class=\"cl-accessibility-syntax\">Off<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cl-accessibility-control cl-accessibility-contrast-control\"><div class=\"cl-accessibility-control-default\"><div class=\"cl-accessibility-control-button\" title=\"Increase text contrast\">Increase text contrast<\/div><div class=\"cl-accessibility-control-label\">Contrast: <span class=\"cl-accessibility-syntax\">Standard<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cl-accessibility-control-alternate\"><div class=\"cl-accessibility-control-button\" title=\"Reset text contrast\">Reset text contrast<\/div><div class=\"cl-accessibility-control-label\">Contrast: <span class=\"cl-accessibility-syntax\">High<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cl-accessibility-system-setting\"><div class=\"cl-accessibility-toggle\" title=\"Apply my preferences site-wide\"><\/div><div class=\"cl-accessibility-toggle-label\">Apply site-wide<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our Mission<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>The mission of the University of Rhode Island\u2019s Office of Strategic Initiatives (OSI) is to foster organizational and economic growth and innovation by leveraging the university\u2019s resources, brain trust of subject matter experts, and intellectual capital. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We are committed to empowering businesses, working professionals, and lifelong learners to harness their full potential through flexible, accessible, expert-led programs and services. We achieve this aim by:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>1) investing in the skills and capabilities of the region\u2019s workforce through<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Workforce Development Programming<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Comprehensive Grant and Program Evaluation Services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Academic Programming, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dual and Concurrent Enrollment Programs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>2) optimizing talent through employee engagement, skill development, recruitment, retention, and career advancement, and<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>3) supporting industry leaders through strategic partnerships, and by delivering insights on hiring practices, leadership, capacity building, and workplace learning and development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you connect with the URI community, the possibilities for learning, innovation, and growth are endless. Reach out to our team to learn more about our programs and services, workforce initiatives, and other various opportunities to collaborate and partner with the University of Rhode Island.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"cl-wrapper cl-card-wrapper\"><a class=\"cl-card  \" href=\"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/2025\/10\/uri-once-again-ranked-no-1-public-university-in-new-england-among-nations-best-by-wall-street-journal\/\" title=\"\"><div class=\"cl-card-container media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1679\/URICampus.jpg\" srcset=\"\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container text\"><div class=\"cl-card-text\"><h2>URI ranked No. 1 public university in New England by Wall Street Journal<\/h2><p>The University of Rhode Island was ranked as the nation&#8217;s best public New England university for the second year in a row.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container button\">READ MORE<\/div><\/a><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"cl-wrapper cl-card-wrapper\"><a class=\"cl-card  \" href=\"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/2025\/02\/university-of-rhode-island-achieves-prestigious-carnegie-r1-status-ascends-to-top-tier-of-u-s-research-universities\/\" title=\"\"><div class=\"cl-card-container media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1679\/URIfall.jpg\" srcset=\"\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container text\"><div class=\"cl-card-text\"><h2>University of Rhode Island achieves prestigious Carnegie R1 status, ascends to top tier of U.S. research universities<\/h2><p>The recognition reflects URI\u2019s broad impact and evolution into a world-class hub for research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and public scholarship.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container button\">Read more<\/div><\/a><\/div>\n\n<a class=\"cl-button   prominent\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/workforce-development\/\" title=\"\">INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS<\/a>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<a class=\"cl-button   prominent\" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/contact\/\" title=\"\">CONTACT OUR TEAM<\/a>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<a class=\"cl-button   prominent\" href=\"https:\/\/lp.constantcontactpages.com\/sl\/d9vmfUM\/URIOSI\" title=\"\">STAY INFORMED<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Programs &amp; Services<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"cl-wrapper cl-card-wrapper\"><a class=\"cl-card  \" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/workforce-development\/\" title=\"\"><div class=\"cl-card-container media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1679\/WF-Dev.jpg\" srcset=\"\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container text\"><div class=\"cl-card-text\"><h2>Workforce Development<\/h2><p>Transform your organization and upskill your workforce by partnering with URI OSI through our innovative, fully customizable training and engagement programs.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container button\">LEarn more<\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"cl-wrapper cl-card-wrapper\"><a class=\"cl-card  \" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/academic-programs\/\" title=\"\"><div class=\"cl-card-container media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1679\/academic-programs.jpg\" srcset=\"\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container text\"><div class=\"cl-card-text\"><h2>Academic Programs<\/h2><p>URI OSI partners with academic colleges and departments to offer in-demand degree programs, graduate certificates for working professionals, and other credit-bearing courses.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container button\">LEARN MORE<\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"cl-wrapper cl-card-wrapper\"><a class=\"cl-card  \" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/evaluation\/\" title=\"\"><div class=\"cl-card-container media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1679\/grant-eval.jpg\" srcset=\"\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container text\"><div class=\"cl-card-text\"><h2>Grant and Program Evaluation<\/h2><p>Ensure successful outcomes of your projects or programs. Our team utilizes evidence-based grant and program evaluation services and works collaboratively with you through the consultation, planning, development, and assessment stages.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container button\">learn more<\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"cl-wrapper cl-card-wrapper\"><a class=\"cl-card  \" href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/dual-and-concurrent\/\" title=\"\"><div class=\"cl-card-container media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1679\/DC-hero.jpg\" srcset=\"\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container text\"><div class=\"cl-card-text\"><h2>Dual and Concurrent Enrollment Programs<\/h2><p>Participation in URI OSI&#8217;s Dual and Concurrent Enrollment programs offers high school Juniors and Seniors an exciting opportunity to get a head-start on their college education while still attending high school.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container button\">LEARN MORE<\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our Impact<\/h1>\n\n\n<div class=\"cl-wrapper cl-card-wrapper\"><a class=\"cl-card  \" href=\"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/2025\/06\/uri-program-prepares-cnas-to-administer-medication-in-state-facilities\/\" title=\"\"><div class=\"cl-card-container media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1679\/med-tech.jpg\" srcset=\"\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container text\"><div class=\"cl-card-text\"><h2>URI program prepares CNAs to administer medication in state facilities<\/h2><p><em>June 3, 2025<\/em><br>The partnership aims to relieve the burden on nurses in often short-staffed facilities, and directly address the statewide shortage of credentialed medication aides.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container button\">READ MORE<\/div><\/a><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"cl-wrapper cl-card-wrapper\"><a class=\"cl-card  \" href=\"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/2025\/04\/registration-open-for-professional-development-programs-for-healthcare-and-public-service-workers\/\" title=\"\"><div class=\"cl-card-container media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1679\/MHFA-2-scaled.jpg\" srcset=\"\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container text\"><div class=\"cl-card-text\"><h2>Registration open for professional development programs for healthcare and public service workers<\/h2><p><em>April 29, 2025<\/em><br>Registration is open, but capacity is limited, for a series of free trainings offered this summer designed to empower emerging and established healthcare and public service professionals with the skills to lead with confidence and make an impact on their teams, patients, and communities.<br><\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container button\">READ MORE<\/div><\/a><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"cl-wrapper cl-card-wrapper\"><a class=\"cl-card  \" href=\"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/2025\/03\/uri-launches-state-and-municipal-finance-academy-to-address-public-finance-workforce-shortage\/\" title=\"\"><div class=\"cl-card-container media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1679\/SMFA-group-scaled.jpg\" srcset=\"\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container text\"><div class=\"cl-card-text\"><h2>URI launches state and municipal finance academy to address public finance workforce shortage<\/h2><p><em>March 26, 2025<\/em><br>The University of Rhode Island Master of Public Administration program, in collaboration with the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns, URI\u2019s Office of Strategic Initiatives, and Gov. Dan McKee\u2019s Office, has launched the State and Municipal Finance Academy (SMFA) to tackle the critical shortage of public finance professionals in Rhode Island\u2019s state agencies, municipalities, and school districts.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container button\">READ MORE<\/div><\/a><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"cl-wrapper cl-card-wrapper\"><a class=\"cl-card  \" href=\"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/2024\/10\/r-i-black-business-association-partners-with-uri-to-grow-emerging-leaders-in-state\/\" title=\"\"><div class=\"cl-card-container media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1679\/RIBBA-C4-scaled.jpg\" srcset=\"\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container text\"><div class=\"cl-card-text\"><h2>R.I. Black Business Association partners with URI OSI to grow \u2018Emerging Leaders\u2019 in State<\/h2><p><em>Oct. 9, 2024<\/em><br>The RIBBA Emerging Leaders Development Program has established itself as a pioneer program for career advancement in Rhode Island. RIBBA has partnered with URI\u2019s Office of Strategic Initiatives to elevate the program\u2019s impact.<br><\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container button\">READ MORE<\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Team Member Spotlights<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"cl-wrapper cl-card-wrapper\"><a class=\"cl-card  \" href=\"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/2025\/12\/uri-inducts-15-retired-faculty-staff-members-into-lifetime-service-society\/\" title=\"\"><div class=\"cl-card-container media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1679\/Gayla_lifetime.jpg\" srcset=\"\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container text\"><div class=\"cl-card-text\"><h2>URI inducts 15 retired faculty, staff members into Lifetime Service Society<\/h2><p>Gayla Gazerro, Evaluation Consultant and former Assistant Director of the Office of Strategic Initiatives, was honored for her 40+ years of service to the URI community.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container button\">READ MORE<\/div><\/a><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"cl-wrapper cl-card-wrapper\"><a class=\"cl-card  \" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/feed\/update\/urn:li:activity:7396989666215800832\" title=\"\"><div class=\"cl-card-container media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1679\/Sierra-NEGAP-scaled.jpeg\" srcset=\"\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container text\"><div class=\"cl-card-text\"><h2>Assistant Director of Academic Programs, Sierra Perez presents at NEGAP Conference<\/h2><p>The New England Association for Graduate Enrollment Management Conference brings together leaders committed to innovation and excellence in graduate education.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container button\">READ MORE on linkedin<\/div><\/a><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"cl-wrapper cl-card-wrapper\"><a class=\"cl-card  \" href=\"https:\/\/www.uri.edu\/news\/2025\/07\/john-olerio-named-to-providence-business-news-40-under-forty-list\/\" title=\"\"><div class=\"cl-card-container media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1679\/olerio-team-1024x625-1.jpg\" srcset=\"\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container text\"><div class=\"cl-card-text\"><h2>John Olerio named to 2025 Providence Business News 40 Under Forty List <\/h2><p>Olerio has expanded the University\u2019s reach, forging partnerships across Rhode Island. [URI OSI&#8217;s] recent work bringing mental health and first aid training to key companies in the state like FM exemplifies his belief in higher education as a driver of public good.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container button\">READ MORE<\/div><\/a><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"cl-wrapper cl-card-wrapper\"><a class=\"cl-card  \" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/feed\/update\/urn:li:activity:7341108539274182656\" title=\"\"><div class=\"cl-card-container media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1679\/Stef-GPCC2.jpg\" srcset=\"\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container text\"><div class=\"cl-card-text\"><h2>Stef Nelson leads Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce Lunch and Learn<\/h2><p>Stef shared practical insights and actionable tools that can empower teams, support career growth, and sharpen Rhode Island\u2019s competitive edge.\u00a0<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container button\">READ MORE on linkedin<\/div><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">URI in the News<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"cl-wrapper cl-card-wrapper\"><a class=\"cl-card  \" href=\"https:\/\/www.providencejournal.com\/story\/news\/good-news\/2024\/12\/26\/whats-in-store-for-uri-president-marc-parlange-in-2025\/76867409007\/\" title=\"\"><div class=\"cl-card-container media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1679\/Parlange.jpg\" srcset=\"\" alt=\"\"><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container text\"><div class=\"cl-card-text\"><h2>People to Watch 2025<\/h2><p><strong>URI&#8217;s Marc Parlange is transforming the economy through education<\/strong><br>The University of Rhode Island has a lot going on. This year, voters gave URI $87.5 million of a $160-million bond for a new\u00a0biomedical science building\u00a0at its Kingston campus, as 6,000 URI students are studying in biomedical-related fields but hemmed in by the lack of an adequate research facility. That should bring more jobs to the state and help advance important research, URI President Marc Parlange said.<br><\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"cl-card-container button\">READ MORE AT PROVIDENCEJOURNAL.COM<\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h1>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Our Mission The mission of the University of Rhode Island\u2019s Office of Strategic Initiatives (OSI) is to foster organizational and economic growth and innovation by leveraging the university\u2019s resources, brain trust of subject matter experts, and intellectual capital. We are committed to empowering businesses, working professionals, and lifelong learners to harness their full potential through [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":581,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-17","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/17","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/581"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/17\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14140,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/17\/revisions\/14140"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/osi\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}