Biography

Since earning his M.A. at the University of Illinois in 1976, Vince Petronio started teaching at URI in Com Studies in 1977. In 1996 through 2005 he was the manager of IT for the Feinstein Providence Campus and was an adjunct/Program Coordinator for COM. He came back to the faculty full time in January 2006 and still maintains his role as Program Coordinator for COM at URI/FPC. He first started teaching online in 1996. He teaches courses in Interpersonal Communication, The Art of Storytelling, Orality in Ancient Greece, Orality in Ancient Rome and Directing Group Performance of Non-Dramatic Literature/Advanced Storytelling.

He has received the following recognition and awards: 2004 URI/CCE Alumni Association Award; 1998 Lifetime Achievement Award/URI-Providence; 1997 Mongeau Service Award/URI-Providence; 1989 Outstanding Faculty Award/URI-Providence; 1976 List of Excellent Teachers, University of Illinois.

As a semi-professional actor in RI he has appeared in several roles to critical acclaim, most notably: A Few Good Men, 2012, Lt. Col. Jessep; To Kill A Mockingbird, 2009, Atticus Finch; Inherit the Wind, 2006, Matthew Harrison Brady; Oberon; Little Foxes, 2005, Ben; Othello Mixed Magic Theater, 2005, Iago. He has also appeared as Antonio in Merchant of Venice, 2009 and Dr. Scott in Rocky Horror Show, 2011 both at URI Theater.

He has also performed at the New York International Play Festival in August 2016. In addition he had directed plays at URI, The Burbage Theater, The Wilbury Group, Epic Theatre, 2nd Story Theater and The Players at Barker Playhouse. He has also received acting/directing awards: Newport Mercury Newspaper: Best Actor in Drama or Comedy, 2008 Another Part of the Forest; ACTRI: 1985 Best Actor Award; RIC: 1979; Asst. Director The Robber Bride Groom, National College Theater Festival National Winner.