KINGSTON, R.I. — May 26, 2017 — The University of Rhode Island has named Carl G. Stiles, dean of Student Life at Husson University in Bangor, Maine, director of its Memorial Union.
Stiles will join the University June 12 to direct an operation with 38 employees that is home to 180 student organizations involving 3,700 students. He succeeds Interim Director Maureen McDermott, who will return to her position as assistant director for student involvement.
“Dr. Stiles brings with him a broad range of experiences and skills in the student life arena that will serve the University well as we take steps to make the Division of Student Affairs even stronger, more dynamic and responsive to our rapidly changing world,” said Kathy Collins, URI vice president for Student Affairs. “He will provide strategic oversight for the Memorial Union and supervise the staff, including those who oversee the Student Entertainment Committee and the leadership program.”
Memorial Union staff members are recognized nationally for their work in student leadership. Two graduate students and more than 50 undergraduate student employees assist the permanent staff. The Union also oversees URI’s annual First Night program, during which more than 3,000 students are introduced to all the University has to offer.
“The opportunity to join the URI community and work with the outstanding leadership within the Memorial Union, Student Involvement, and Center for Leadership Development to provide opportunities for students to become engaged scholars and leaders in the University community resonates with my philosophy that students are the reason we do what we do,” Stiles said. “URI fosters in its students the values of innovation through academics, respect for all, focus on learning and civility, and leadership with integrity – a mission that focuses strongly on the student experience. I am excited to join the community and work with the students, staff, faculty and alumni in creating new programs and honoring the traditions of the University.”
At Husson University, Stiles oversees the Division of Student Life, including housing and residential life, community and student engagement, student conduct, commuter students, counseling and health, including the student crisis response team, and student organizations, including Greek life. He has extensive experience with new construction and renovation on college campuses.
Stiles also serves as a member of the president’s cabinet and executive leadership team at Husson. As the chief student advocate, he is responsible for a comprehensive suite of services for all students, including the fulfillment of the residential requirements for entering students, immunization compliance for students, development and assessment of comprehensive programs and services that affect overall quality of student life and student success. He also implemented programs and trainings that addressed cultural diversity awareness and appreciation.
Prior to Husson, Stiles worked at Springfield College in Massachusetts as director of Student Activities and the Student Union and oversaw the construction of Springfield’s new student union building. He has also worked at the College of Staten Island in New York, Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey and Green Mountain College in Vermont.
Stiles obtained his bachelor’s degree from Western New England University and his master’s in student personnel administration from Springfield College. He completed his doctorate in educational leadership at Johnson & Wales University in Providence.