From Student-Athlete to Student Advocate

As a South Kingstown local, Mahlik Handley’s journey has always been closely tied to URI. He made many childhood memories at Meade Stadium cheering on URI Football and at the Ryan Center watching basketball, and the Tootell Aquatic Center swimming in the pool.

His connection to the University deepened when he enrolled as a student at URI. An accomplished student-athlete, he competed as a hammer thrower on the Track and Field team from 2013 to 2018, serving as captain for two years. The lessons learned during long hours of training extended far beyond the field.

“The relationships that I’ve built from being on the team are everlasting,” said Handley. “Some of my teammates have become close friends and were groomsmen in my wedding.”

Among the many milestones during his time on campus, the most memorable was meeting his wife in kinesiology classes. That connection would go on to shape a family built on shared values and purpose—they are now raising a twin son and daughter.

URI’s health and physical education program laid the foundation for Handley’s professional success, and he credits Dr. Emily Clapham as playing a key role in encouraging him to reach his potential. Today, he is the dean of students at his high school alma mater, where he works to prepare the next generation for success.

For Handley, receiving a prestigious URI 10 Under 10 Award from the URI Foundation & Alumni Engagement was both an honor and a surprise.

“I wasn’t sure anyone at the University was keeping tabs on me,” he said. “But it’s a great reminder that even after you leave, you’re still a Ram .”

To current education majors, his advice is heartfelt: “Dream big. We’re all here because someone inspired us—now it’s our turn to be that inspiration for the next generation.”