Edward J. Schroeder Papers (Mss. Gr. 237)

Historical note

Edward J. Schroeder held many administrative positions for the 38 years he was employed within the Rhode Island state system. He served as Assistant Vice President of Business and Finance at the University of Rhode Island, 1971-1974 at one point its Acting Vice President for Business and Finance (1974-1975) then as Acting Director of Employee Relations (May – December 1975). Prior to his position at URI, he had worked as assistant to the Chancellor, for Financial Affairs (1969-1970). In 1970, as result of a study conducted by legislative commission, the Board of Trustees was abolished and replaced by a nine member Board of Regents with responsibility for all state-supported education from primary level through graduate education.

He served as consultant to various departments within the University until 1989. Stricken with polio at a young age, Schroeder devoted a great part of his life to access for the disabled. He was an influential advocate especially in the areas of information access. He retired from the state system in 1982 as director of business affairs in the Department of Corrections. He died in 2004.