Biography

Anthony Marchese is the Dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Rhode Island. He is a first-generation college graduate and the first in his family to complete a college degree, later inspiring his mother and all three of his siblings to also earn their degrees. His academic journey began with a goal of earning an engineering degree and working in industry, which led him to complete his master’s degree while working full time and later return to school for a Ph.D. His career has since evolved into a distinguished path in higher education as both a professor and administrator, grounded in the foundation of his first engineering degree. He is especially passionate about supporting first-generation college students, recognizing their motivation and potential. As a mentor, he reminds students that they are often more capable than they realize, encouraging them with the message: “If I can do it, so can you.”