Hall of Fame
Dr. John Nazarian was appointed the eighth president of Rhode Island College in May of 1990 after serving two previous terms (1984-85; January 1990 – April 1990) as acting president.
The Presidency of John Nazarian was characterized by strong fiscal stewardship; significant expansion and improvement of the College's campus; advocacy for programs to support opportunity and access to higher education; strengthening of the College's School of Education; establishment of two new Schools within the College, the School of Management and the School of Nursing; creation of a Presidential Scholars program; development of new undergraduate majors and graduate programs – including the College's first Ph.D. program, offered jointly with the University of Rhode Island; initiation of a new, widely-acclaimed general studies program; major improvements in academic and administrative technology; and the successful completion of the College's first-ever capital campaign.
In addition to his responsibilities at Rhode Island College, Nazarian served as the first President of the Little East Conference during its formation, while also becoming the league's first representative on the NCAA President's Council in 2006.