Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Higher education officials say they will launch an expedited search to replace Jack R. Warner, departing higher education commissioner.

Frank Caprio, chairman of the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education, said he was very sorry to see Warner leave, but that he hopes to have a successor named by the time Warner departs for South Dakota.

"I plan to appoint a search committee later this week. I'm still mulling over the composition of the committee," Caprio said. "I've already talked to people I respect highly in the higher education realm about possible successors to Jack. Of course, he set the bar very high, so it will be hard to follow him."

Caprio said he expects to identify candidates both within and beyond Rhode Island.
"It's not a question of geography," Caprio said. "It's about ability and talent. If it's the right person, I don't care where they come from."

Warner's departure marks yet another significant change for Rhode Island's education systems. Longtime K-12 schools chief Peter McWalters is stepping down June 30 after more than 17 years, and Robert L. Carothers, president of the University of Rhode Island for the past 18 years, steps down the same day.

Warner, 63, announced Friday he would be taking a similar job in South Dakota, as the executive director of the state's board of regents, which oversees six universities and two special schools.

He starts his new job July 8.

The job pays $323,000 a year, more than double Warner's $135,000 base salary as head of the state's Office of Higher Education.

 Tags  education Higher Education Commissioner

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