WHAT: U.S. Congressman James Langevin, Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts, state Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski, University of Rhode Island President David M. Dooley, and URI Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Donald DeHayes will celebrate the introduction of URI’s new health studies major, which was launched this semester.

Tapping into the University’s wealth of health resources, the new major will prepare a generation of students to succeed in non-clinical health careers in many different fields, such as public health, health education and administration, pharmacy, and insurance. It brings together 28 departments across all 8 colleges on the Kingston campus and the expertise of 130 faculty members.

WHEN/WHERE: The ceremony will be Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 10 a.m., in the Center for

Biotechnology and Life Sciences, 120 Flagg Road, at URI in Kingston.

DETAILS: Students in this non-clinical, liberal arts-based program will gain a broad academic background with a focus in health services, health promotion, or global and environmental health. The event will feature speakers from the College of Human Science and Services. A health services and information exchange fair will be held.

The state’s largest industry, health care is one of the fastest growing industries nationally and globally. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that health care will generate 3.2 million new jobs between 2008 and 2018, more than any other industry.