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BRISTOL, R.I., April 30, 2026 – �������츣��һ�� (RWU) has announced the appointment of Vitaliano Figueroa, Ed.D., as the new Vice President for Student Life, following an extensive national search. He will succeed long-time Vice President John King, who is retiring after more than 22 years of service. Figueroa will officially assume the role on July 13, 2026. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Figueroa to the RWU community,” said Brian Williams, Chair of the national Search Committee at �������츣��һ��. “He has spent his career dedicated not only to student academic success but also to holistically supporting students and their needs outside the classroom to ensure they reach their goals, especially for underserved student populations. We look forward to his leadership and collaboration in shaping the next generation of changemakers in our campus community.”

Figueroa’s career in higher education leadership spans more than 25 years at nationally top-ranked universities, including serving as Vice President for Student Affairs at Valley City State University and Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs at San Diego State University.

In his current role as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL), Figueroa provides strategic vision and leadership to the Division of Student Affairs, which includes Student Conduct, Counseling & Testing, Campus Child Center, Residence Life, Recreational Sports, Student Health Center, and University Centers serving more than 10,300 students. Until last year, his portfolio also included Athletics and Admissions, further broadening his leadership impact across the institution. Figueroa has a proven track record of achieving student-centered outcomes, including increasing first-year student engagement to 92% and securing significant funding to develop and support crucial student services such as counseling, housing, academic advising, and recreation.  

“I’m truly honored to join �������츣��һ�� and return to Rhode Island, which has played such an important role in my own personal and professional journey,” said Vitaliano Figueroa. “From the start, I was drawn to RWU’s strong sense of community and its commitment to helping students succeed in every part of their lives. Supporting students means more than helping them in the classroom—it means creating a place where they feel seen, valued, and encouraged to grow. I’m excited to work with the campus community to help every student feel they belong and have the opportunity to thrive.”

This new opportunity at �������츣��һ�� marks a homecoming for Figueroa. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science, his Master of Science in Human Development & Family Studies/College Student Personnel, and served as an academic advisor at the University of Rhode Island. He earned his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Argosy University and holds certificates in Professional Fundraising from Boston University, in Strategic Enrollment Management from the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), and in the Executive Leadership Academy. 

The RWU Division of Student Life partners with students, staff, and faculty to cultivate diverse and thriving communities. It provides support, mentorship, educational initiatives, and opportunities for identity exploration and leadership development to foster students’ academic success, well-being, and capacity to become lifelong learners who contribute to an equitable society.