2 Community College Of Rhode Island Athletic Admins Nationally Recognized

Two athletic administrators at the Community College of Rhode Island received national recognition.

Longtime coach and athletic director Vin Cullen has been named a recipient of the NJCAA Coaches Association Legacy Award, a national honor recognizing individuals who have made a lasting impact on two-year college athletics and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student-athletes throughout their careers, the college said on its website.

"Cullen is a visionary leader who laid the foundation for CCRI athletics. He launched the college’s athletic program in 1969 and became CCRI’s first Director of Athletics in 1970," the school said.

"As head coach of the men’s basketball team, he led the Knights to a 711-256 overall record, 13 NJCAA National Tournament appearances, and four Final Four finishes," according to the site. "His 711 wins remain the most in program history and positioned CCRI as a perennial national powerhouse in junior college basketball."

Also, Kevin Salisbury, who served as CCRI’s Interim Director of Athletics from 2017 to 2023, was honored with the L. William Miller Award by the National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators, the school said.

"Salisbury began his tenure at CCRI in 1999 as Assistant Director of Athletics," the school said. "During his time as interim director, he provided steady leadership and support for student-athletes, coaches, and staff, including during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic."