Landscape of trees near a lake, and on the left, the Bello Center and Krupp Library

President Ross Gittell, Ph.D.

Learn more about Ross Gittell, Ph.D., the ninth president of Bryant University.

President Ross Gittell, Ph.D.

(401) 232-6008

Ross Gittell, Ph.D., is the ninth president of Bryant University. Under his leadership, the university continues to ascend in rankings, affirming the superior return on investment of a Bryant education and positioning the institution to better navigate the ever-changing higher education landscape. Drawing on his expertise in strategic management and as an economist and economic development scholar, President Gittell has guided Bryant through the creation and implementation of its strategic plan, Vision 2030.

Vision 2030: Innovation and Agility with Purpose charts a bold path for the future of Bryant University. Supported by its strategic pillars and building on Bryant’s foundational strengths and its integrated academic approach, Vision 2030 is propelling the institution toward a deserved place of national recognition for its transformational learning experiences, exceptional outcomes, and development of passionate, purpose-driven leaders.

President Gittell began his tenure in July 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Determined to keep the campus open and operating as normally as possible, Gittell’s first challenge as president was to figure out how to reopen the campus that fall while ensuring the health and safety of Bryant’s students, faculty, and staff. As a result of strong leadership, shared commitment from the community, and creative problem-solving, Bryant University was one of only a few higher education institutions to remain open with uninterrupted in-person classes.

Highly regarded for his economic analysis and forecasting, President Gittell is extensively published and has frequently served as an expert resource for government, non-profit, and business leaders. His broad experience in teaching, strategic planning, and management has guided his academic focus – applying economic, organizational, and management theory to regional, state, and community economic development issues.

President Gittell holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy from Harvard University, an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley, and a BA in Economics from the University of Chicago.

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The Bryant Senior Advisory Council (BSAC) is a select group of roughly 30 senior students who have demonstrated leadership aptitude through academic and co-curricular involvement within the Bryant community. Since its inception in 2006, nearly 600 student leaders have participated in this one-of-a-kind program, the pinnacle of experiential learning and leadership development at Bryant University.

Senior students apply to serve on BSAC in the fall, with students selected by President Gittell and his Cabinet. The Council meets monthly with university leaders to discuss issues on campus, consider plans and new initiatives, and discuss trends in higher education. Using the critical thinking and problem-solving skills honed throughout their time at Bryant, students offer insight and guidance on important initiatives spearheaded by university leaders—from Vision 2030 and academics to student life and enrollment management.

Each spring, the recent alumni trustee, a prestigious three-year position on the Board of Trustees, is selected from the current members of BSAC. The recent alumni trustee is a full participant on the Board, with the same voting rights and duties as all other trustees and acts as a fiduciary and steward of the university. This position allows a recent graduate to affect Bryant's long-term interests while bringing to the Board the perspective informed by their recent experience as an undergraduate student.

Alexia Brandao, Class of 2024 recent alumni trustee

Jake Williams, Class of 2023 recent alumni trustee

Julia DiNatale, Class of 2022 recent alumni trustee

Skye Hazel, Class of 2021 recent alumni trustee

In 2024, President Gittell spearheaded an initiative to connect industry leaders and students in a new way. Bulldogs love helping other Bulldogs, and Bryant University’s Presidential Executive in Residence (EIR) program provides a way to harness that spirit into action through mentorship and learning.

Through Bryant’s Presidential Executive in Residence program, prominent alumni, executives and industry leaders visit campus to share their expertise and enrich the academic experience of the Bryant community. The program focuses on two pillars: student guidance and mentorship, and enhanced experiential learning.

Faculty and students have the opportunity to engage with EIRs in the classroom, at lectures, or at one-on-one at mentoring or career counseling sessions. For participants, the program is a way to give back, and establish meaningful professional connections with the next generation of leaders.

Spring 2024:

Jude Addo ’11

F. Kurt Last ’78