2025 Excellence Awards Recognize Top Faculty and Staff in Administration; Arts and Sciences; GSO

There is no doubt that people are the University of Rhode Island’s greatest asset—and URI Foundation & Alumni Engagement (URIFAE) was pleased to recognize four of URI’s most talented and dedicated individuals at the 2025 Excellence Awards ceremony on May 21.

Nominated by colleagues and students, these individuals come from around the University, but all share the same exceptional work ethic, positive impact on the URI community, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Ryan Carrillo – Administrative Excellence Award
Mr. Carrillo is the director of planning and real estate development for the University. His nominators said he is “known throughout the University of Rhode Island and beyond for his expertise, commitment, and initiative in space planning and facilities.”

Jason Dwyer – Scholarly Excellence Award
Dr. Dwyer is a professor of chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences. An award-winning researcher and the principal inventor of five issued U.S. patents, he is also a dedicated educator and mentor who is deeply committed to fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere in science.

Kim Hindle – Staff Excellence Award
Ms. Hindle is a senior scientific research grant assistant in the Graduate School of Oceanography. Recognized for her dedication to excellence and creative approach to overcoming challenges, Ms. Hindle has made her mark on GSO. Her colleagues note, “It is no exaggeration to say that without Kim’s talents, the teams she works with would have fewer grants, fewer graduate and undergraduate students, and reduced success overall.”

David Smith – Teaching Excellence Award
Dr. Smith is a professor of oceanography in the Graduate School of Oceanography and was associate dean of academic affairs from 2006–2023. Over the years he has advised hundreds of graduate students who say he is genuinely interested in helping them succeed, providing career and life guidance in addition to academic oversight. Dr. Smith also works with K-12 educators and students, undergraduates, alumni, donors, and legislators through various programs and speaking engagements. His nominators say he is “one of the best ambassadors URI and GSO has.”

URIFAE congratulates the 2025 Excellence Awards recipients.

2025 Excellence Awards (L-R): Colleen Gouveia Moulton, M.B.A.’98; Marc Parlange; Ryan Carrillo; Kim Hindle; David Smith; Mark Antonucci; Mary Parlange. Not pictured: Jason Dwyer. Photo by Glenn Osmundson.