Rosemary Costigan began her remarkable journey as a first-generation student from Pawtucket West High School, enrolling in nursing at what was then Rhode Island Junior College (now CCRI). She advanced in her field with an Associate Degree in Nursing from CCRI, a Bachelor of Science from Rhode Island College, and both her Master of Science and Ph.D. in Nursing from the University of Rhode Island.

Her early career blended clinical practice - 21 years as a full-time nurse at Memorial Hospital -with academic excellence. At CCRI, she taught and mentored nursing students before moving into leadership roles including Department Chair and Assistant Dean of Nursing and serving eight years as Vice President for Academic Affairs. In that role, she spearheaded the college’s first Academic Master Plan, expanded online learning, championed faculty-led professional development, and implemented Guided Pathways to streamline student progress.

In June 2025, after serving two years as Interim President, Dr. Costigan was confirmed as the sixth President of CCRI and the first alumna to lead the institution. Her leadership is defined by transformative innovation and equity-focused strategy. Under her tenure, CCRI earned a full 10-year reaccreditation from NECHE, joined the Achieving the Dream network for data-driven student success, secured the largest private donation in CCRI history, and launched signature initiatives including CCRI Advantage, accelerated terms, expanded early college access, and workforce-aligned programs.

Dr. Costigan serves on the Board of Trustees for Davies Career & Technical High School and as a peer evaluator for NECHE and ACEN. Her honors include induction into CCRI’s Society of Knights, the Rosemary Wood Nursing Leadership Award, the Hospital Association of Rhode Island’s Academic Excellence Award, Providence Business News Women of the Year (2024), and Pawtucket Hall of Fame Person of the Year (2025).