Biography

James Bessette joined the University of Rhode Island’s Communications and Marketing Department in September 2025 after working more than 20 years in the Rhode Island journalism industry. He currently helps cover various news matters about URI’s College of Arts and Sciences for a wide audience, as well as handles media inquiries seeking University experts.

James’ career began in February 2005 as a sports reporter for the Kent County Daily
Times in West Warwick, part of Southern Rhode Island Newspapers. He then shifted to SRIN’s weekly newspaper division as a sports reporter before becoming news editor of The East Greenwich Pendulum in 2011 – a role he held until 2014.

James then worked for four years at the E. Sherman Publishing Co., the parent
company of The Newport Daily News, in multiple roles – including as staff reporter for The Independent and then night copy editor for the Daily News. In January 2018, James joined Providence Business News first as the publication’s researcher and then later became its special projects editor – a role he held until joining URI.

Along with winning 10 individual local and regional journalism awards in his career,
James also served as board president of the Rhode Island Press Association from 2017 through 2021. Outside the office, James enjoys time with family and friends, and is a competitive bowler who has cashed in and won multiple events around the New England area.

Connect with James on LinkedIn