- Director, Communications & Marketing
- Division of Student Affairs
- Phone: 401-874-7074
- Email: mpparente79@uri.edu
Biography
Michael Parente joined the Division of Student Affairs as the Director of Marketing & Communications in January of 2025.
A 2001 graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Michael spent seven years as a sports writer for the Woonsocket Call and Pawtucket Times, covering high school, college, and professional sports. He served as the company’s New England Patriots beat writer and covered Super Bowls XXXVI, XXXVIII, and XXXIX.
Michael also spent five years as a full- and part-time staff writer for the Patriots’ in-house publication, Patriots Football Weekly, and has worked in a variety of roles for New England-based combat sports promotion Classic Entertainment & Sports (CES), serving as the promotion’s publicist, graphic designer, matchmaker, and his current role as the broadcast voice for CES’ boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) divisions.
Prior to joining URI, Michael worked at the Community College of Rhode Island from 2017–2025, starting as a part-time writer before transitioning to CCRI’s Public Relations Officer and his most recent role as the Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications. At CCRI, Michael was responsible for all internal and external communications, including press releases, student and staff features, college-wide newsletters, and external advertising campaigns. He also spent the 2021–22 academic year as CCRI Athletics’ Sports Information Director.
During his time at URI, Michael was the play-by-play voice of men’s basketball and football for WRIU 90.3 FM and a former Sports Editor and Editor-in-Chief of The Good 5 Cent Cigar.