RIC reopens newly-renovated Horace Mann Hall

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island College announced the reopening of Horace Mann Hall, the flagship building of the school’s Feinstein School of Education and Human Development.

RIC President Dr. Jack Wagner, Gov. Dan McKee and other state officials were in attendance at the ribbon cutting ceremony held Monday.

Officials said a three-year, $25 million renovation of the facility recently concluded. The first major change since opening in 1971.

“Today marks the beginning of a new era in teacher education at our state’s first and oldest institution of public higher-education,” president Warner said.

“Rhode Island needs teachers who are trained in the most modern, cutting-edge classroom practices and we need a facility that meets those standards,” he continued.

Officials called the renovated space the jewel of their nationally-recognized School of Education.

School officials further thanked those involved in voting for a $70 million bond that also funded upgrades to URI’s Narragansett Bay Campus.

Improvements made include a wing with six classrooms and three seminar rooms, bright and spacious student common areas, a three-story addition for offices, a new roof, elevator and windows.

Electrical, plumbing and network technology upgrades were also made, officials said.

“With these renovations, the new Horace Mann Hall will become the home to a 21st century education and will prepare our future educators for the classrooms of today and tomorrow,” said Gov. McKee.

McKee concluded by also thanking the voters approved the proposed bond and helped develop the project.