Ryan Estus, ’26, is an MBA candidate at the University of Rhode Island, where he also serves as a Graduate Assistant with the Office of Strategic Initiatives. A second-generation Rhody alum and lifelong Rhode Islander, Ryan was appointed Student Representative to the Board of Trustees in April 2025 and is the recipient of the 2026 Maureen McDermott Student Leadership Award. As an undergraduate, Ryan served in leadership roles across campus: coordinating URI’s New Student Orientation program and the university’s first-year Leadership Institute, representing the Harrington School of Communication and Media as a Brand Ambassador, and contributing as a writer to the student newspaper, the Good 5 Cent Cigar. Across each role, Ryan has built an understanding of what URI means to its students, and a commitment to honoring that as a member of the Board. Outside of school, Ryan is an avid pickleball player and was the founding president of URI Club Pickleball, which he helped grow into a recognized club sport. He’s also a devoted fan of URI basketball and a regular presence at games in the Ryan Center.