By Sarah Price

April 21 2026

BRISTOL, R.I. — On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, Roger Williams University President Ioannis N. Miaoulis, Ph.D., announced that he has decided to retire from his role as President of the University. 

In an email sent at 5:30 P.M., the President stated, “After careful consideration, I have decided to retire from my role as president of Roger Williams University. This decision comes from a deeply personal place and is closely connected to RWU’s future.” 

Mialous is retiring at the end of the 25-26 academic year, and effective June 1st, Brian Williams, Chief of Staff of RWU, will serve as Interim President. In an email sent by the Board of Trustees, “Dr. Williams will use the remainder of the semester to schedule listening sessions and plan for a successful transition.” 

President Miaoulis joined the Roger Williams family in August of 2019 after the death of the previous President, Donald J. Farish, in 2018. Miaoulis has “a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering, a master of arts in economics, and a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from Tufts University, as well as a master of science in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an Honorary Doctor of Science degree from the State University of New York.” 

The President expressed that, “Leading this university has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career. Whether on our Bristol campus, in Providence, or out in the community, we share a deep commitment to the value of an RWU education, to providing our students access points to that education, and preparing students for lives of success and purpose.” 

During his seven years as the University President, Miaoulis acknowledges that “not every decision has been met with agreement, and at times, there have been moments of tension. I have always respected the dedication and commitment of our community members, even when perspectives differed.” However, Miaoulis has achieved many things during his tenure here, “reaching historic philanthropy levels, including a $20 million gift, the largest in the university’s history.”

In Miaoulis’ retirement announcement, he states,  “I will always feel a deep connection to this university and to all of you who make this community so special,” he said. “ I will continue to follow the university’s progress with pride and remain connected in whatever ways I can.”

Stay tuned for more information; this is a developing story.