Assistant to former URI provost reflects on 30 years at university

10/29/08 - Ronda Hammond worked at the University of Rhode Island for more than 30 years, and since her retirement earlier this year, she said she has never had a greater experience than her time here.She was always held in high regard among students, staff and faculty alike, so it comes as no surprise to those that know her that she received the 2008 URI Foundation Staff Excellence Award last week at the URI Foundation Building.

The award honors current or former staff members and faculty who go above and beyond the call of duty, taking their responsibilities to the limit.

Hammond started her URI career back in 1977 working for the School of Business. After two years, she was hired in the Academic Affairs department. Working initially in the department as a typist, through her hard work and integrity she advanced in the office.

In 1981, she met and worked under one of her best friends at URI, then Interim Assistant Vice President M. Beverly Swan.

"We worked together for 27 years and we still remain very close friends," she said about her former boss. "We have lunch together at least once a week, [and] we talk on the phone almost every day."

During the last six months of her URI career, she worked for the office of the Vice President of Student Affairs, Thomas Dougan.

"She was spectacular," he said. "And she is very well known on campus by most everyone, [and she is] very well thought of. She made a huge amount of difference in the brief amount of time she [worked in this office]."

Hammond said like many other long-time state employees, the rising cost of health benefits made it difficult to keep working.

"It was a very difficult decision for me to leave URI," she said. "But I did have the opportunity to retire with a pension, and because of the changes in the health benefits, I decided it was ... the right financial [move] to retire."

Born in South County Hospital in 1956 and a graduate of South Kingstown High School, Hammond said she has always been close to the South County community, and especially URI. She even met her current husband of 34 years at George's Neighborhood Grill and Bar.

"I loved working at the university," she said. "I considered it my home for almost 31 years, and I learned most of what I know from Dr. Swan."

Hammond said although she enjoyed her short time working with Dougan, it was during her time with Swan that she really fell in love with the university. Her responsibilities working with Swan as the executive assistant to the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs included, but were not limited to, handling appointments, assisting in staff meetings and serving as a member of the honorary degree committee.

"She has a great sense of humor," Hammond said. "It wasn't hard to work with her, even through difficult times, because she always looked on the bright side of things."

She added she misses all her co-workers and students she encountered throughout her time at URI.

"I will miss them all," she said. "I was very fortunate to work with such wonderful people."

Dougan returned the sentiment, and said it was a shame she could not stay at the university. He said his short time working with her was spectacular.

"She's absolutely wonderful and we miss her," he said.