Roger Williams University
Bristol, RI
Quick Facts
“Magna Est Veritas”
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Roger Williams University
Roger Williams University: A vibrant, waterfront institution fostering academic excellence and a diverse community.
Roger Williams University stands as a dynamic private institution nestled on a picturesque 80-acre waterfront campus in Bristol, Rhode Island. With a student body of nearly 4,400, RWU is dedicated to providing an engaging academic environment rooted in its motto, "Magna Est Veritas" — Great is the Truth. It's recognized for its commitment to a diverse and inclusive community, a principle woven into the fabric of its history and celebrated events.
The university's journey began in 1919 as a branch campus of Northeastern University in Providence, evolving significantly over the decades. What started as the YMCA Institute granting associate's degrees in 1948, formally became Roger Williams Junior College in 1956. By 1967, it had embraced the name Roger Williams College, a testament to its growth, and soon after, in 1969, found its permanent home on the stunning Bristol waterfront. This period of expansion culminated in 1992 when, under the leadership of President Dr. Natale A. Sicuro, it proudly adopted its current designation: Roger Williams University, concurrently establishing its School of Law.
Under the leadership of President Ioannis Miaoulis, appointed in 2019, Roger Williams University continues its trajectory of innovation and student-centric education. The university once pioneered a four-year tuition freeze policy for incoming freshmen, demonstrating a proactive approach to student affordability, though this policy was terminated in 2019. Beyond academics, the university fosters a rich student experience, marked by a campus that embraces its waterfront setting and a community that values multiculturalism, as famously highlighted by its recognition of The Beach Boys' pioneering diverse lineup on campus. This blend of historical depth, strategic growth, and a forward-looking vision positions Roger Williams University as an exciting destination for prospective students.
Key Highlights
- ✦A private university founded in 1956 (with operations dating back to 1919).
- ✦Located on a scenic 80-acre waterfront campus in Bristol, Rhode Island.
- ✦Home to 4,397 undergraduate and graduate students.
- ✦Motto: "Magna Est Veritas" (Great is the Truth).
- ✦Endowment of $0.1 billion.
- ✦Led by President Ioannis Miaoulis, appointed in 2019.
- ✦Known for its commitment to fostering diversity and an inclusive community.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
1 notable schools within Roger Williams University
Roger Williams University School of Law
Established in 1992 as part of the university's transition to Roger Williams University.
Find Scholarships at Roger Williams University
Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.
Start Your Free Search