However, in 1869, the newly appointed state commissioner of education, Thomas W. Bicknell, began a vigorous personal campaign to revive the school.

[6] The general favor won by the school, after its first difficult years had passed, was confirmed in 1898 when it moved into a large building specially constructed for it on Providence's Capitol Hill near the State House.

Early in the 1950s that calm was shattered by intense debate that arose over the college's role in the state system of higher education and for a time serious doubt was cast on its continued existence.

[4] The East Campus includes the former grounds of the Rhode Island State Home and School for Dependent and Neglected Children, the first post-Civil War orphanage in the country.

Jack R. Warner is the eleventh president, and 19th chief officer of Rhode Island College, starting his position in 2022.

[16] Rhode Island College teams participate as a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's Division III.

Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field and wrestling; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, golf, gymnastics, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field, and volleyball.

The Intercollegiate Athletic Arena, an 8,000-seat facility, is the home of the Rhode Island College Anchormen basketball teams.

Theatre students in the program have been top competitors at the Region I Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, either winning first, second or honorable distinction.

In September 2020, The Recording Academy placed the Rhode Island College Concert Chorus on the Official Ballot for the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards for their virtual performance of "When I Think of You."

The chorus earned their Grammy Award Considerations in two categories: Best Pop Duo or Group Performance and Best Music Video.

[18][19][20] On October 2, 2020, Rhode Island College President Dr. Frank Sánchez hosted an event at Sapinsley Hall for music producers Al Gomes (class of 1986) and Connie Watrous, along with Chorus Conductor and Professor of Music Teresa Coffman, to announce the Grammy Awards news live to the entire Rhode Island College community including administration, staff, students, and alumni.

Alumni who have served as members of the Rhode Island House of Representatives include Maria Cimini (Class of 2002), Raymond Gallison (Class of 1974),[22] Karen MacBeth, Mary Messier, Patricia Morgan, William O'Brien, Thomas Palangio, Harold Metts, David Bennett.

Graduates in the Rhode Island State Senate include Maryellen Goodwin, Nicholas Kettle, Daniel Issa, J. Michael Lenihan, Roger Picard, Juan Pichardo, Leonidas Raptakis, James Sheehan, Adam Satchell, and Frank Lombardo.