Crystal Williams

Dear RISD Community,

I am deeply saddened to inform you of the death, off-campus, of Violet Goldstein, a first-year student. Tragically, Violet and three members of her family passed away on Christmas Day from suspected accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in their vacation home. This is an unimaginable loss for Violet’s loved ones, friends, faculty, peers, and all of us in the RISD community, and we are currently reaching out to Violet’s closest friends. As we process and mourn this tragedy, please take comfort in your loved ones and keep Violet and her family in your thoughts.

While RISD is currently closed for winter break through January 1, Counseling and Psychological Services is available to support our students, and faculty and staff can access support through our Employee Assistance Program. Information on these resources is included below my signature.

I know that you join me in feeling utter heartbreak at the loss of such a promising young member of our community, along with her family, on what should have been a joyous occasion. We are in contact with Violet’s surviving family to offer our support, and we will plan any gatherings of our community to honor Violet’s life in accordance with their wishes.

Sincerely,

Crystal Williams  she/her
President

Support Resources during Winter Break

For students: CAPS is available for any student wanting to access mental health support throughout the day, after hours, or on the weekend. Students can be connected with a counselor by calling 401 454-6637 to connect with CAPS during business hours and that same phone number will be answered by ProtoCall after hours, which offers 24/7 therapeutic support.

For faculty or staff needing personal support: Please contact Coastline EAP, our Employee Assistance provider, for confidential counseling and referral/resource services 24 hours a day at 800 445-1195.

If you are concerned about a RISD community member’s well-being, contact RISD Public Safety at 401 454-6666, our counseling office at 401 454-6637, or submit a Concern Assessment Response Evaluation (CARE) referral.

Dear students, staff and faculty, 

Today is election day in the United States, and I know members of the RISD community—like all engaged artists, designers and thinkers in this world—will continue to make their voices heard when it matters most. The democratic process, embedded in the American experiment, is only as strong as the people who build and question its intent with purpose. I encourage those of you who are US citizens, and who are able, to exercise your right to vote. Resources, support and information have been and continue to be shared on https://www.risd.edu/engagement.

This week, we are holding space for impromptu and unstructured gatherings, connection and reflection. 

Students are invited to meet with Health and Wellness Ambassadors (HAWAs) on Thursday, November 7, from 6:30–8:30 pm at Ewing House (Intercultural Student Engagement, ISE). 

Faculty and staff interested in gathering as a community are welcome to gather in the auditorium at 20 Washington Place. The space has been reserved during the dates and times below this week in support of community during the following days and times:

Tuesday, Nov 5: 1–11 pm

Wednesday, Nov 6: 1–3:30 pm

Thursday, Nov 7: 2–11 pm

Friday, Nov 8: all day (7 am–11 pm)

In this tension-filled time, for those who find solace and restoration in spending time amid art and beauty, the RISD Museum is offering free admission to anyone who presents their “I Voted” sticker throughout November. And, as a reminder, the museum offers year-round free admission to all students, staff and faculty.

Please be sure to check https://involved.risd.edu/ and https://www.risd.edu/engagement for related information in the days ahead.  

Take good care.
 

Sincerely,

Crystal Williams (she/her)
President

Dear RISD Community,

I am pleased to share that we have completed the search for RISD’s next vice president for Human Resources. Lauren Bowen, who currently directs the Total Rewards Program at Suffolk University and serves as a senior business partner in their Human Resources department, will join us on November 25, 2024.

Lauren has more than 15 years of experience in human resources management at higher education institutions and nonprofit organizations. At Suffolk University, she has focused on partnering with senior leaders to implement a strategic, multiyear benefits plan that appeals to potential new hires while being mindful of cost and budget constraints. She completed Suffolk’s Ambassador for Inclusion program and helped university leaders embed diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) into annual plans at the departmental and individual levels.

Previously, Lauren was benefits manager at software company PrismHR and associate director of human resource operations at the nonprofit Council on International Exchange (CIEE), where she worked with the talent acquisitions team to identify managers who needed additional support in the area of DEI. Before that, she was director of human resources at Eastern Nazarene College, where she served on the Social Justice Committee and helped to organize an all-campus Social Justice Day that offered a variety of learning and service opportunities related to social justice and DEI. Lauren earned a bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University and a master’s degree in higher education administration from Eastern Nazarene College. 

During the interview process, the search committee learned about Lauren’s background in implementing strategic, people-driven initiatives that allow organizations like ours to fulfill their missions and embody their stated values. She has a deep understanding of the unique relationships between faculty, staff and administration and the challenges and opportunities of the higher education environment. Her approach to relationship building and experience working with unionized employees will be of great benefit to the RISD community. 

I would like to thank the members of the search committee, listed below, and the many members of the RISD community who participated in interviews throughout the process, helping to make it thoughtful and efficient.

In addition, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Liz Rainone, who has led the Human Resources department as our interim vice president since January 2023 with great professionalism. Under Liz’s leadership, RISD completed a pay equity review, implemented a new pay grade system and a new minimum pay rate, addressed internal compression and is moving forward with the career pathways project that will inform career advancement. During a period of significant transition, Liz has put in place a talented team poised to advance institutional initiatives that strengthen RISD as a workplace. Upon Lauren’s arrival, Liz will return to her role as director of employment. Finally, I would like to recognize the members of our Human Resources team, who continue to show great care and dedication to our staff and the RISD community at large throughout this period of transition.

Please join me in welcoming Lauren to the RISD community!

Sincerely,
David Rosati
Senior Vice President, Finance & Administration

Search Committee
Renee Byas, General Counsel
Dylan Costa, Audio Visual Tech Coordinator/Programmer
Touba Ghadessi, Provost
Jennifer Prewitt-Freilino, Associate Professor, History Philosophy and the Social Sciences
Jack Silva, Vice President, Campus Services
Melanie Silva, Credit Card Services, Travel & Reimbursements Administrator
Tony Souza, Public Safety Operations Captain