Biography

Dr. Dean Libutti joined the University of Rhode Island in 1999 and began his career in University College in new student programs and service learning. In his time at URI, he has served in a variety of capacities, all centered on fostering student success and persistence. In 2021, Dean was named Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management & Student Success.  As Associate Vice President, Dean provides leadership in enrollment planning, recruitment, and retention through collaboration and partnership with faculty and staff.  He has been involved with the design and implementation of various creative initiatives, including URI’s Grand Challenge Program, Finish What You Started, Online Faculty Fellows, 15 to Finish, Common Reading Program, URI’s virtual tour, and the new Winter J Term.

Over the past 20 years, Dr. Libutti has worked in a variety of areas within higher education administration including undergraduate and graduate admission, new student programs, student affairs, career development and experiential education, service learning, financial aid, academic advising and enrollment management.  Prior to joining URI, Dean served as Assistant to the Vice President of Student Life and Academic Development at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.  His interest and passion for higher education began at Villanova University in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions

In addition to his role as Associate Vice President for Enrollment and Student Success, Dr. Libutti has taught the first year Research Methods course in URIs College Student Personnel Program, URIs first-year student success seminar URI 101, and continues to mentor undergraduate and graduate students on various internship, honors and research projects. With a passion and commitment for student success, access and timely degree attainment, Dean enjoys working with faculty, staff and the community to foster changes within higher education.