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Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Report: Benefits outweigh hurdles in creating a public medical school at URI
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — A new report said the University of Rhode Island is 'strategically positioned' to expand the state's primary care physician workforce by developing a public medical school, though there are still unanswered questions about how it would work. The overview, authored by medical education consulting firm Tripp Umbach, was presented on Friday to the R.I. Senate's special legislative commission to study the state's health care workforce. Founder and president Paul Umbach said Friday's report was a 'concept overview' and that a draft feasibility report would be done sometime this summer. The Senate passed a resolution in June that created the 21-member panel, which is also tasked with analyzing the potential of establishing a medical school at URI. 'With over 300 additional primary care providers needed statewide, and nearly half of the current physicians nearing retirement, the situation has reached a tipping point,' the report said. RELATED: Hundreds more physicians needed to address RI primary care shortage While Rhode Island has been home to Brown University's Alpert School of Medicine since 1972, no other medical schools have been established in the state. The report noted that Brown's medical graduates also 'primarily pursue specialties rather than primary care.' A study published last year in the Rhode Island Medical Journal also found that out of 106 medical students who did their residencies in primary care during the 2022-23 academic year, just 15 planned to practice primary care in Rhode Island after graduating. The consultants said if the school were to have a program that emphasized primary care and community-based training, it would not only help to retain more graduates in the state, but 'would also generate economic growth, research activity, and healthcare access improvements.' 'URI offers a strong foundation for a new school of medicine through its existing pharmacy,nursing, and health sciences programs, which provide infrastructure, interprofessional education opportunities, and established clinical partnerships,' the report said. 'These programs offer existing infrastructure such as simulation labs, research facilities, and experienced administrative teams, which can be shared to reduce startup costs and streamline operations.' The report also highlighted how URI's 'existing clinical partnerships and rotation sites developed for nursing and pharmacy students' could accelerate the development of clinical trainingplacements for medical students. 'These programs also help establish academic pipelines, encouraging students from related fields to pursue medical education through pre-med tracks and early assurance programs,' the report added. In February, the university announced that it earned an 'R1 designation' in the latest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The university said the designation 'signifies that URI has achieved the highest level of research activity,' which was measured by the number of doctoral degrees awarded, in addition to the amount of spending dedicated to research and development. Tripp Umbach said that designation 'significantly enhances its capacity to attract top-tier faculty, research funding, and high-caliber students.' 'With strong stakeholder support and backing from the state government, URI is strategically positioned to lead a transformative effort to expand the physician workforce and improve healthcare equity across Rhode Island,' the report said. Still, the report noted that 'critical challenges remain,' like securing funding, expanding clinical training capacities, and managing potential resistance from existing institutions. The authors said incentives like loan forgiveness and tuition reimbursement would help attract more applicants. 'The long-term benefits of addressing Rhode Island's physician shortage outweigh these hurdles,' the report's authors added. 'No time not to act': Neronha unveils plan to confront RI health care crisis The report also pointed out that creating a medical school at URI would 'yield substantial economic benefits, including job creation, research funding opportunities, and advancing Rhode Island's biomedical sector.' 'Typically, the annual operations of a public medical school in the early years of development have an economic impact of approximately $150 million and supports approximately 1,000 jobs directly and indirectly,' the report said. The firm concluded that each physician who's trained, completes residency, and remains in the community has 'an annual $2.2 million economic impact and supports 15 jobs directly and indirectly.' The report's authors said that what remained unclear is how the state would secure clinical training sites, attract local students, and establish 'sustainable financial and legislative support' for the proposed school. The report said in order to ensure there are clinical training sites, URI has to secure partnerships with 'a broad array of health care providers' across the state. 'These institutions can serve as anchor institutions for clerkships, residencies, and potentiallyfaculty recruitment,' the report said. ALSO READ: What to do if Brown Health, UnitedHealthcare don't strike a deal Additionally, Tripp Umbach recommended that URI should try to leverage both community hospitals and Federally Qualified Health Centers across the state to fulfill rural and primary care training requirements. The report's authors said they believe 'there is sufficient training capacity' in the state for a medical school class of 100 students. The report suggested that the school should use 'a multi-faceted, mission-driven recruitment strategy,' in addition to emphasizing a 'strong commitment to training physicianswho will serve within the state, particularly in rural and underserved communities.' One way the school could attract students is with tuition incentives or offering student loan repayment for graduates who practice in Rhode Island post-residency. Tripp Umbach said the estimated capital costs to create a school would be approximately $125 million. The firm said its projection was based on 'recent benchmarks from comparable institutions,' including the University of Central Florida, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. In an effort to manage both cost and efficiency, the authors said URI should consider locating the new school within the existing health science infrastructure at the university or designing a phased construction plan. Tripp Umbach concluded that start-up costs to launch the school, like curriculum development, accreditation, recruiting founding faculty and marketing, were projected to be about $90 million. 'A private lead donor will be instrumental in generating momentum and credibility for the campaign, catalyzing broader philanthropic support,' the report said. Additionally, the report said to 'ensure long-term financial sustainability and quality programs,' the school would need $20 million in annual state operating revenue, plus a recurring state budget line item for operational support, with a recommended annual appropriation of $25 million. In all, the report concluded a new school would cost $225 million in the first 10 years of development and operation, but noted that financial figures may change after a final analysis. The commission is scheduled to issue its own recommendations to the Senate by the end of the year. NEXT: Mediated talks between Butler Hospital, striking staffers stall again Alexandra Leslie (aleslie@ is a Target 12 investigative reporter covering Providence and more for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook. Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Utah Valley University's high return on investment for students of all backgrounds earning national salutes
Michelle Jackson already possessed several of the qualities needed for college success: Ambition. Strong work ethic. Tenacity. And, finally, a vision for her personal and professional future. But what Jackson needed were those educational opportunities that can be challenging to find for so-called 'First Gens.' Jackson is a first generation immigrant and a first generation college student. She's also a young mother and a new homeowner — busy tackling the day-to-day tasks of caring for a couple of small children and helping to support a household. Utah Valley University, said Jackson, is her ongoing source for those essential educational and mentoring opportunities. 'Anyone who wants to go to UVU has the same opportunities available to them. They make it really accessible for everyone,' she told the Deseret News. The institutional opportunities being offered to Jackson and many of her classmates have earned UVU — the state's largest university by enrollment — an 'Opportunity College and University' designation by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The designation highlights UVU as 'a model for studying how campuses can create and support student success by providing more access to more people in their communities and fostering high earnings post-graduation,' according to a university release. The UVU designation is part of a newly introduced Student Access and Earnings Classification, published this month by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education. The new classification assesses how well institutions create opportunities for student success by measuring whether they enroll students who reflect the communities they serve and by comparing the graduates' earnings to their peers in the same areas. Only 16% of the nation's colleges and universities received a similar 'Opportunity College and University' designation. 'As an open-access institution, UVU encourages students to 'Come as you are' and provides a high-quality education with seamless pathways to a degree, whether through vocational/community college offerings or four-year and master's programs,' said UVU Acting President Jim Mortensen in the release. 'This innovative model has resulted in strong job placement and competitive wages for our graduates, who consistently earn above the national median." 'This Carnegie Classification affirms that our student programs truly make a difference in fostering career success.' UVU reports almost 75% of its graduates securing 'high-wage, high-demand' jobs with 4- or 5-star ratings by the Utah Department of Workforce Services in a variety of fields — including nursing, elementary education, engineering, computer science, finance and marriage and family therapy. UVU leaders also point to the school's comprehensive approach to student support services as key to fostering an opportunity-rich campus. The school's Student Success Center, for example, offers students of all backgrounds academic advising, tutoring, mentorship and wellness programs. Meanwhile, the First-Generation Student Success Center and UVU's GEAR UP resource assistance program offer admissions-to-graduation guidance for students such as Jackson. A Mexico City native, Jackson and her family moved to Provo when she was a little girl. After graduating from Provo High School, she discovered a path to higher education via UVU's GEAR UP program. She began attending school, married and expected to follow a linear student path to Graduation Day. But life intervened. Family challenges and pregnancy prompted Jackson to step away from school. But when she and her husband later found out they were expecting their second child, 'I decided I needed to be a good influence for my children and teach them the importance of education — so I re-enrolled at UVU.' Excited to be back in class and pursuing educational goals, Jackson said she's been 'all in' during her second stint at the Orem school. She participated in the school's 'Presidential 100' program — enjoying the mentorship of UVU President Astrid Tuminez and others on campus. Jackson remembers Tuminez encouraging her to chase and capture dreams. 'President Tuminez said, 'Go write down your dreams and start working on them. You really can accomplish these things.'' That sort of campus leadership and support has proven pivotal for Jackson and her family in purchasing their first home — and she's a year away from graduating with an accounting degree. She has her post-graduation eye on entrepreneurship. Jackson added she has never felt unseen at UVU, despite the school's massive student body of almost 50,000. 'They do a wonderful job of connecting with everyone, individually,' she said. Inside Higher Ed recently highlighted UVU's classification as an 'Opportunity University,' noting the school's commitment to first generation students and non-traditional students. Kyle Reyes, vice president for institutional advancement at Utah Valley, said he attributes the university's high 'Return on Investment' for students to the institution's long-term investment in student success initiatives — and an unwillingness to deviate from its original mission as a broad-access institution. Some of those efforts, Inside Higher Ed noted, have included partnerships with K-12 schools; helping students fill out federal financial aid applications; offering scholarships; academic advising; a food pantry; low-cost, on-campus childcare; student research opportunities; paid internships; and completion grants for returning students. Recognition as an affordable pathway to economic stability through the new classification system is both 'validating' for Utah Valley and a 'game-changer' for all of higher education, Reyes told Inside Higher Ed. 'For so long, the incentives were for exclusion, prestige, lower admission rates and higher test scores — even though on the ground we knew the masses weren't being served by that model,' he said.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
North Carolina's largest public university NC State names new chancellor
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The University of North Carolina Board of Governors has chosen the next person to lead the state's largest public university by enrollment after its longtime chancellor is set to retire soon. Kevin Howell was named the next chancellor of North Carolina State University — and the first Black person to lead the institution in its 138-year history — at the public university governing board's Tuesday meeting. He will succeed Randy Woodson, who has served in the role since 2010 and is one of the university system's longest-serving chancellors. Howell is the chief external affairs officer for the UNC School of Medicine and UNC Health, according to the school's website. He also previously served in various leadership roles at NC State, including as vice chancellor for external affairs, partnerships and economic development. As an NC State undergraduate student, Howell was student body president. "I know from experience that effective diplomacy in contentious times requires patience, humility and a genuine respect for the voices and opinions of others," UNC System President Peter Hans said during the meeting. 'These are all qualities that Kevin Howell possesses in abundance.' Howell will begin in his new role May 5, according to an NC State news release. His salary as chancellor will be $600,000. Woodson announced his retirement during the university's trustees meeting last July as his contract was slated to end this summer. Woodson, 67, told reporters then that it was 'just a good time' to step away from the chancellorship. Under Woodson's leadership, the university increased its graduation and retention rates, as well as research funding. Enrollment also expanded, growing to more than 38,000 students as of Fall 2024. 'I feel good about leaving the institution better than I found it, but I also feel good that the next leader has plenty to do at NC State,' Woodson said after announcing his retirement in July. There will be a lot on Howell's plate when he assumes his position this summer, including navigating a nationally turbulent time for higher education as institutions prepare for potential massive losses of funding from the National Institutes of Health. NC State is an R1 research institution — the highest tier for research universities under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education — and received more than $48 million from the NIH last fiscal year. NC State also paused most of its hiring activities — including for faculty — in February, partially due to uncertainty on federal funding, according to a memo from executive vice chancellor Warwick Arden. The memo did not specify when the hiring freeze would end.
Associated Press
18-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
North Carolina's largest public university NC State names new chancellor
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The University of North Carolina Board of Governors has chosen the next person to lead the state's largest public university by enrollment after its longtime chancellor is set to retire soon. Kevin Howell was named the next chancellor of North Carolina State University — and the first Black person to lead the institution in its 138-year history — at the public university governing board's Tuesday meeting. He will succeed Randy Woodson, who has served in the role since 2010 and is one of the university system's longest-serving chancellors. Howell is the chief external affairs officer for the UNC School of Medicine and UNC Health, according to the school's website. He also previously served in various leadership roles at NC State, including as vice chancellor for external affairs, partnerships and economic development. As an NC State undergraduate student, Howell was student body president. 'I know from experience that effective diplomacy in contentious times requires patience, humility and a genuine respect for the voices and opinions of others,' UNC System President Peter Hans said during the meeting. 'These are all qualities that Kevin Howell possesses in abundance.' Howell will begin in his new role May 5, according to an NC State news release. His salary as chancellor will be $600,000. Woodson announced his retirement during the university's trustees meeting last July as his contract was slated to end this summer. Woodson, 67, told reporters then that it was 'just a good time' to step away from the chancellorship. Under Woodson's leadership, the university increased its graduation and retention rates, as well as research funding. Enrollment also expanded, growing to more than 38,000 students as of Fall 2024. 'I feel good about leaving the institution better than I found it, but I also feel good that the next leader has plenty to do at NC State,' Woodson said after announcing his retirement in July. There will be a lot on Howell's plate when he assumes his position this summer, including navigating a nationally turbulent time for higher education as institutions prepare for potential massive losses of funding from the National Institutes of Health. NC State is an R1 research institution — the highest tier for research universities under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education — and received more than $48 million from the NIH last fiscal year.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
URI scores top marks in national classification of research universities
The University of Rhode Island is one of 187 research higher education institutions to earn an R1 designation from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. A lab in Avedisian Hall used by the pharmacy program is shown. (Photo courtesy of URI/Nora Lewis) The University of Rhode Island (URI) has entered the uppermost echelon of public higher education, thanks to a prestigious new designation that marks it among the most robust research schools in the country. URI announced Thursday that it now has an R1 designation from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, placing it in the top 4.8% of colleges and universities nationwide. Only 187 higher education institutions in the United States have achieved this designation. 'It means more recognition, more opportunities, and a stronger reputation — not just in New England, but nationally and globally,' URI President Marc Parlange said in a statement. 'With R1 status, URI will continue to attract world-class faculty, researchers, and students. This designation will help us continue to bring millions in research funding, new industry partnerships, and high-paying jobs to Rhode Island.' The new ranking was released Thursday by Carnegie as part of the latest batch of university classifications. The rating system defines an R1 university as one with $50 million or more in total research spending, plus the awarding of at least 70 research doctorates annually. URI is one of 135 public universities on the R1 list. The remainder of the top tier comprises not-for-profit, private universities (including the only other Rhode Island school on the list, Brown University). URI had 612 doctoral program enrollees in fall 2024, representing an 11% increase over the past five years. Research expenditures have also gone up 25% in that same time period, for a total of $144 million in research dollars in fiscal year 2023. In 2023, researchers associated with the university published 1,172 articles. University officials, Gov. Dan McKee and lawmakers celebrated the new designation with a special event in the Memorial Union Ballroom on the Kingston campus Thursday. The university had learned the news six days earlier and prepared an announcement that was under an embargo, said Dawn Bergantino, a university spokesperson. 'I have to say it took all my will not to 'spill the tea' before now — that's what the students say these days, right?' Parlange was quoted in a university news article which said the accolade 'wasn't the best kept secret on campus' ahead of the announcement. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
