Biography

Ellen M. Reynolds is the Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Rhode Island, where she oversees a wide range of student-facing services including Housing and Residential Life, Dining, Health Services, the Counseling Center, the Student Memorial Union, the Dean of Students Office, Talent Development, and the Center for Student Leadership. She began her journey at URI as a first-generation student, supported in part by a tuition waiver through her mother’s employment at the university. After graduation, Ellen worked at South County Hospital, where she discovered a passion for patient care and community service following an internship experience. After more than 15 years in healthcare, she returned to URI in a leadership role within Health Services and has since advanced to her current position as Vice President for Student Affairs, reflecting a full-circle commitment to supporting students. As a mentor, she is deeply committed to student success and belonging, encouraging students to recognize that they have earned their place at the university, that support is always available, and that it is okay to explore, change direction, and ask for help at any stage of their college journey.