SMITHFIELD, R.I. (AP) — An economist who currently leads New Hampshire’s community college system was named president of Bryant University in Rhode Island on Wednesday.
Ross Gittell was the unanimous selection of Bryant’s board of trustees, the private Smithfield-based school said in a statement.
Gittell succeeds Ronald Machtley, who has been Bryant’s president since 1996.
“We are thrilled to find a leader like Ross Gittell, who embodies the character and future vision for Bryant University,” trustees Chairman William Conaty said in a statement. “Dr. Gittell’s outstanding academic credentials and experience as the CEO of seven community colleges within a complex organizational setting make him a perfect fit to succeed the legendary Ron Machtley as Bryant’s next president.”
Gittell has been chancellor of the Community College System of New Hampshire since 2012.
Gittell is also highly regarded in economic and policy circles for his economic analysis and forecasting, the Bryant statement said.
Gittell has degrees from Harvard University; the University of California, Berkeley; and the University of Chicago.
“With its exceptional student learning outcomes, engagement with industry, and deep commitment to educating future leaders, Bryant University is at the forefront,” Gittell said in a statement. “I am excited to begin the next era at Bryant.”
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