Smithfield Resources
In 1971, Bryant University planted roots in Smithfield, R.I., a bucolic New England town that earned the moniker “Apple Valley” thanks to its legacy of apple orchards. This move was made possible by a generous gift from Tupperware founder Earl Tupper, who donated over 400 acres of farmland to his alma mater. The university, then Bryant College, relocated just 11 miles west from its original location on Providence’s East Side.
Nestled in this idyllic setting, Bryant’s campus offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that perfectly complements Smithfield’s small-town charm. The community and university share a unique bond, with local residents enjoying access to the dog park at the edge of campus, visiting the university library, cheering on Division I athletic teams, enrolling their children in sports clinics, and taking strolls through Bryant’s beautiful grounds.
Together, Smithfield and Bryant are united by shared aspirations: fostering a strong sense of community, building a thriving economy, and enhancing the quality of life for everyone who calls Smithfield home.
Thriving Economy
By the Numbers
Bryant University is an economic engine and an educational driver, with a significant economic impact on the town of Smithfield. In 2023, the university:
- Generated $48 million in economic output in Smithfield.
- Generated $9 million in total income in the town, including $5.9 million in direct income and $3.1 million in indirect and induced income.
- Was Smithfield’s second-largest employer, providing high-paying jobs for 1,052 people.
- Contributed $1.8 million to the town’s government and local community in direct payments for goods and services, tax payments, and in-kind contributions.
- Enabled the town to qualify for almost $1,170,000 in state PILOT6 funding.
Bryant University is an economic engine and an educational driver, with a significant economic impact on the town of Smithfield. In 2023, the university:
- Generated $48 million in economic output in Smithfield.
- Generated $9 million in total income in the town, including $5.9 million in direct income and $3.1 million in indirect and induced income.
- Was Smithfield’s second-largest employer, providing high-paying jobs for 1,052 people.
- Contributed $1.8 million to the town’s government and local community in direct payments for goods and services, tax payments, and in-kind contributions.
- Enabled the town to qualify for almost $1,170,000 in state PILOT6 funding.
Bryant-Smithfield Connection
Catch the Fun
Bryant University is home to the Division I Bulldogs. Our nationally competitive football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, and softball teams are just some of the athletic talent Smithfield residents can enjoy close to home. With low- or no-cost tickets, Bulldog athletic events are an affordable and fun outing for the entire family. There are also opportunities for Smithfield kids to attend athletics camps and clinics during the year.
Bryant University is home to the Division I Bulldogs. Our nationally competitive football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, baseball, and softball teams are just some of the athletic talent Smithfield residents can enjoy close to home. With low- or no-cost tickets, Bulldog athletic events are an affordable and fun outing for the entire family. There are also opportunities for Smithfield kids to attend athletics camps and clinics during the year.
July 4th Fireworks Tradition
Sparks fly between Bryant and Smithfield every Independence Day, when the two partner on the town’s July 4th celebration. Hosted at Deerfield Park, the fireworks display is fully funded by the university.
Sparks fly between Bryant and Smithfield every Independence Day, when the two partner on the town’s July 4th celebration. Hosted at Deerfield Park, the fireworks display is fully funded by the university.
Read With Us
The Douglas and Judith Krupp Library at Bryant University is a resource for students and the community. Smithfield residents with a current Rhode Island driver’s license (or other photo ID) may apply for a Courtesy Card at the Borrower Services Desk. Courtesy Cards have a one-year expiration, are renewable annually, and give privileges that include borrowing up to 10 circulating, Bryant-owned materials.
The Douglas and Judith Krupp Library at Bryant University is a resource for students and the community. Smithfield residents with a current Rhode Island driver’s license (or other photo ID) may apply for a Courtesy Card at the Borrower Services Desk. Courtesy Cards have a one-year expiration, are renewable annually, and give privileges that include borrowing up to 10 circulating, Bryant-owned materials.
Smithfield Dog Park
With a Bulldog as our mascot, we love pups! In 2022, Bryant donated 1.4 acres of land at 353 Farnum Pike to create Smithfield’s first dog park. Both humans and their canine best friends can also enjoy Bryant’s nearby network of walking trails, located at the back of campus.
With a Bulldog as our mascot, we love pups! In 2022, Bryant donated 1.4 acres of land at 353 Farnum Pike to create Smithfield’s first dog park. Both humans and their canine best friends can also enjoy Bryant’s nearby network of walking trails, located at the back of campus.