CLEVELAND – The Division I-AAA Athletics Directors Association (DI-AAA ADA) is proud to announce Bob Driscoll former director of athletics at Providence College, as the 2026 Gary Cunningham Lifetime Achievement Award.
"It is an immense honor to receive this remarkable award named in honor of my friend and colleague, Gary Cunningham," said Driscoll. "I have been fortunate to work with many exceptional individuals of character in college athletics, and I am eternally grateful for all these gifts of friendship. Thank you to the selection committee for this humbling recognition, and most importantly, to the student-athletes, coaches, and staff members with whom I have had the privilege of collaborating."
Driscoll retired as athletics director at Providence College in June 2022 after serving the college for 21 years and working in college athletics for 47 years. During his tenure, Driscoll transformed the Friars' athletics program by establishing a student-centered vision focused on success in competition, in the classroom, and in the community.
Under Driscoll's leadership, Providence College experienced one of the most successful eras in its athletics history. The Friars captured multiple championships, including but not limited to the following:
- 2013 – women's cross country capturing the program's second NCAA national championship
- 2014 – men's basketball winning the BIG EAST Tournament and advancing to the NCAA Tournament
- 2015 – men's ice hockey winning the program's first NCAA national championship
- 2014–22 – men's basketball advancing to five consecutive NCAA Tournaments (2014-2018), winning the regular BIG EAST championship and reaching the Sweet 16 (2022)
- 2010s – men's hockey making two Frozen Four appearances and six consecutive NCAA Tournaments
- 2000s–2020s – men's soccer earning 10 NCAA Tournament appearances, including multiple Sweet 16 and quarterfinal runs
Bob Driscoll made a lasting impact at Providence College through his leadership in culture formation, fundraising, facility development, and student-athlete success. Under his direction, the athletics department raised more than $100 million while guiding major facility projects, including the construction of Chapey Field at Anderson Stadium, enhancements to Schneider Arena, and the development of the Ruane Friar Development Center. A strong advocate for student-athlete development, he emphasized academic success, leadership, and community engagement, helping foster a culture of excellence across all programs.
Driscoll's excellence has been recognized throughout his career. He received the Hockey East Founders' Medal in 2024, Division I-AAA ADA Builders' Award in 2020, was named Under Armour Athletics Director of the Year in 2016 and AstroTurf AD of the Year NE Region in 2008. He also earned regional honors earlier in his career for his leadership and impact within collegiate athletics.
A respected leader nationally, Driscoll has been actively involved in conference and NCAA governance. He previously served as President of the DI-AAA ADA, as well as in leadership roles within the BIG EAST Conference and on multiple NCAA committees. His contributions have also included mentorship roles and involvement in diversity and inclusion initiatives across collegiate athletics. He received the BIG EAST's John Thompson Jr. award in 2022.
Prior to his time at Providence, Driscoll spent over 14 years at the University of California, Berkeley, where he held multiple leadership roles, including Acting Executive Director for Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreational Sports. He also previously served as athletic director at Mills College and held coaching and administrative roles at Union College.
A native of West Concord, Massachusetts, Driscoll was a standout student-athlete at Ithaca College, where he competed in both hockey and baseball. He earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from the institution. He has since been inducted into multiple halls of fame, including NACDA's in 2023, recognizing his athletic and professional achievements.
About Division I-AAA ADA: Now in its 25th year, the Division I-AAA Athletics Directors Association's mission is to enhance initiatives common to its Division I-AAA membership (non-football institutions), in particular, aspects related to their flagship basketball programs. For more information on the Division I-AAA ADA, please visit www.div1aaa-ada.com. The Division I-AAA ADA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 61st year. For more information on NACDA and the 19 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com.
