University of Rhode Island's Talent Development Program

05/11/2026

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Corey M. Fernandez, Academic Advisor/Success Coach in the Talent Development (TD) program. Corey served as a role model and mentor to countless Talent Development scholars. His impact on our community was profound, and he will be deeply missed.
We ask that you keep Corey’s family and our TD community in your thoughts during this difficult time. We are sincerely grateful for the compassion, support, and care that have been extended to the Talent Development team and to all the TD scholars across our community who are grieving this tremendous loss.
For more information, including his obituary and visiting hours, please visit

Celebrate the life of Corey Fernandez and join others in sharing memories, stories, and condolences.

03/14/2022

TD nation has lost a giant in Dean Earl N. Smith III. There will never be another like him. Rest well, Dean Smith.

For obituary and visiting hours, please visit:
https://memorialfuneralhome.com/obituary/642196/earl-nathan-smith-iii/

05/14/2021

02/15/2021

Today we honor and Celebrate Mr. Benjamin Roberts who, on February 15, 1848, filed the first school integration lawsuit in US history on behalf of his young daughter Sarah Roberts in Boston, Massachusetts. He was also represented by one of the first African-American Lawyers in US history, Robert Morris (pictured) when Mr. Morris was only 25 years old.

This date is particularly important as many PWI institutions in Higher Education are making increased Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts in this same spirit. We pay tribute to Mr. Roberts and his selfless fight in the name of equity for Black people everywhere. The fight continues.

01/11/2021

The Talent Development program and the Center of Career and Experiential Education (CCEE) are partnering to offer TD sessions for first and second-year Scholars. It is highly encouraged for Scholars to attend.

If you have declared your major, sign up for the first session, "Maximize your Major", to explore careers, double majors, and minors.

If you have not declared your major, attend "Exploring Majors and Careers" to explore some pathways and resources URI has to offer. All sessions will be offered virtually. Scholars are required to sign-up through Handshake. Check your email from your advisor for more information and links to sign-up!

10/26/2020

Mental Health and Wellness is one of TD's values. The Counseling Center at URI is here to support the entire URI community. We encourage our Scholars to contact the counseling services at URI to schedule a 1-1 counseling session or receive support in a group setting.