§ 16-33-2 Powers over college Purposes of college. The board of governors for higher education shall be responsible for thecontrol, management, and operation of Rhode Island College in the same manneras prior to July 1, 1960, the board of trustees for state colleges had beenresponsible for the control, management, and operation of the institution underthe name of Rhode Island College of Education, and shall continue to exercisethe powers previously conferred upon the trustees of Rhode Island NormalSchool, and any further powers, including the power to confer degrees, as shallbe necessary for the continuance and maintenance of the Rhode Island College asa college the chief purpose of which shall be the preparation of teachers,principals, supervisors, and superintendents for service in the public schoolsof Rhode Island. The board of governors for higher education is authorized toextend the scope of the educational interests of Rhode Island College toinclude, in addition to and without in any way limiting its educationalprograms related to the educational preparation of teachers for the schools ofthe state, general education through degree programs in the liberal arts andsciences.