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Presidential Search Extended
Presidential Search Extended04/05/2023 12:11 pm
In an effort to ensure exceptional long-term leadership for our esteemed and beloved institution, the Board has made the decision to extend our search for a new university president. As the process to date has not produced what the committee feels would be the best-fit candidate, we will be undertaking additional efforts to locate our permanent president. We will not compromise; there is too much at stake.
Fortunately, Dr. Patricia Lynott, our qualified, talented, and dedicated interim president, will remain at the helm through June 30, 2024. This affords us time in which to complete the rigorous search necessary, and gives Dr. Lynott time to lay a foundation that positions the University to meet its new challenges and position us for additional and exciting opportunities. Evolving demographics have complicated the financial and operational landscape for all upper educational institutions. With effective strategy, flexibility, and hard work, however, Rockford University will implement the essential changes to move boldly into the future. But make no mistake, we will steadfastly preserve what sets us apart.
Though this process may be a longer journey than we anticipated, we can all look forward to emerging even stronger. The gravity of this decision demands relentless effort. And that’s just what we’ll give it.
Please check back for updates as we advance this vital process. We intend to include all Rockford University stakeholders as we navigate our way through the important work of building on our 175-year legacy of excellence.
Update to Presidential Search
Update to Presidential Search01/13/2023 8:50 am
As promised to our Rockford University colleagues, alum, community and friends, this provides a brief update to the search for our next President.
We’re fortunate that Rockford University received a healthy interest in the search for its next President. We drew applications from 64 candidates with wide ranging experience and backgrounds – from academia and business in both national and international roles. Before the end of 2022 and the beginning 2023, the Presidential Search Committee spent numerous hours reviewing and vetting the applicant pool, narrowing it down to its top 11 candidates to continue in the process.
The Committee looks forward to the next steps which include interviews and additional insight to select the next President of the University.
We will continue to update you as the effort progresses.
With RU Pride,
Rebecca Epperson
Chair, Rockford University Board of Trustees
Chair, Rockford University Presidential Search Committee
Rockford University Posts Presidential Position Opening
Rockford University Posts Presidential Position Opening11/01/2022 5:36 am
Rockford University Names Dr. Patricia Lynott Interim President
Rockford University Names Dr. Patricia Lynott Interim President10/19/2022 4:36 pm
Rockford University Names Dr. Patricia Lynott Interim President
Lynott to lead Rockford University until Dr. Fulcomer’s successor begins
ROCKFORD, Ill. (October 19, 2022) – Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year educational institution, has announced that Dr. Patricia Lynott will serve as interim president beginning December 12, 2022 as the search for the successor to current Rockford University President Dr. Eric Fulcomer moves forward. Lynott will be on campus beginning November 14 to spend several weeks with Fulcomer before his departure to get to know faculty, staff, and students and becoming acquainted with the wider Rockford community.
Lynott served as president of University College at Southern New Hampshire University. She is a trusted leader with more than 20 years of service advancing the missions of nationally ranked colleges and universities, with more than a decade of experience at the executive level.
She has an established record of success in strategic planning, organizational change, operations, and community outreach. She played a critical leadership role in transitioning Southern New Hampshire University from a regional business college into a national, multi-faceted University. She successfully managed the impact of rapid and significant growth during a period of transformation.
Lynott also served many years in the classroom as an associate professor at Elmhurst College before becoming Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education and eventually executive director of Elmhurst Partners.
She earned a Doctor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Loyola University Chicago and her Master of Arts degree in communication studies from Northern Illinois University as well as a bachelor’s degree in communication from Trinity College.
“We are thrilled to have Dr. Lynott leading the University through this transition,” said Board of Trustees Chair Rebecca Epperson. “We look forward to her leadership; her commitment to Rockford University’s students, staff, and faculty; and the stability she will provide as our search for the permanent leader is underway.”
The Rockford University Board of Trustees carefully evaluated applicants for the interim position, specifically looking for a candidate with experience supporting a smooth continuity of operations for students, faculty, and staff through periods of transition.
“Rockford University has done an incredible job of remaining financially stable while continuing to provide the best of what makes small private institutions so important: a close-knit campus community; more one-on-one interaction with caring professors; greater curriculum flexibility, less bureaucracy, and so much more. Throughout its evolution from a women’s seminary, to a co-ed college, to a regional university, Rockford has always adapted to the changes and challenges of the times,” said Lynott. “I am extremely pleased to be joining the Rockford University community as it continues to evolve in meeting the needs of today’s students.”
ABOUT ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY
Rockford University is a private four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The University offers more than 80 majors, minors, and concentrations, including the bachelor’s degree completion program for a B.S. in Management Studies. Through its Graduate Studies department, degrees are extended to include the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), and Master of Education in Urban Education, (M.Ed.). Rockford University is home to one of only 11 Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) chapters in Illinois, the most prestigious honor society in the United States. Named by The Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College and is a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,250 full-and part-time students.
For more information: Graeme Gallagher, Rockford University, 815.226.4140, ggallagher@rockford.edu.
Rockford University Community Encouraged to Lend Input in Presidential Search Survey
09/13/2022 8:19 am
The Presidential Search Committee wants your input and invites you to participate in the search process by sharing your feedback.
Our consultant, Academic Search Inc., will be compiling the results from these anonymous surveys and sharing them with members of the search committee to help identify needs, wants, and themes.
We ask that you take a few minutes to fill out this survey by 7 p.m. on Monday, September 19.
If you are a student, please click on this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XFMP2J8
If you are faculty, staff, or alum, please use this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XF3PV8P
Additionally, in the upcoming weeks, we will be hosting in-person listening sessions to gain firsthand insight from you as well. Stay tuned to this page for more details.
Your insight matters to ensure Rockford University continues to move forward into the next 175 years so we ask that you complete the six questions in this linked survey.
With RU Pride,
Rebecca Epperson
Chair, Rockford University Board of Trustees
Chair, Rockford University Presidential Search Committee
Presidential Search Committee, Search Firm Confirmed
08/31/2022 4:01 pm
With the return of students to campus, Rockford University is beginning to buzz again with energy and excitement as the new school year begins. It’s a great reminder of how important our role is in advocating for and inspiring all students who come here to start, complete, or advance their education.
As we begin the search for the university’s next leader, the Presidential Search Committee is dedicated to ensuring that our next president continues building on the tradition of pride and passion that has been an integral role of Rockford University.
The work has begun to ensure we move forward thoughtfully and proactively in the search for our next president and into our next 175 years.
Presidential Search Committee Established
Our Presidential Search Committee includes board members, alumni, donors, staff, and faculty. The committee is charged with leading a transparent, inclusive, and successful search that guarantees we identify worthy candidates to become Rockford University’s next leader. The Committee represents all factions of our University community and its needs and goals.
The Presidential Search Committee includes:
Rebecca Epperson, Chair of Rockford University Board of Trustees, Chair of Presidential Search Committee
Gina Braun, Chair of Education Department
Deb Breiter, Bergmann Chair and Professor of Chemistry; Faculty Trustee
Lesly Couper, Trustee
Anisha Grimmett, Trustee
Jason Mulligan, Director of Athletics
Andy Newgren, Associate Professor and Director of Howard Colman Library
Aaron Potter, ‘98/’09, Trustee
Jeff Potter, ’98, Trustee
Elaine Sharpe, ’75, Associate Professor of Psychology; Faculty Chair
Marci Taets, ’92, Trustee
Patti Tumilowicz, ’87, Trustee
Karen Walker, Dean of Academic Support, Center for Learning Strategies; Coordinator, Men of Color Mentorship Program
Frank Walter, Trustee
Additionally, Jennifer Cunningham, Executive Assistant to the President will serve as the principal staff of the Presidential Search Committee.
Presidential Search Firm Confirmed
To drive our search forward, we have hired Academic Search (ASI), an organization that has specialized in higher-education searches for more than 45 years. Their process and culture complement the Presidential Search Committee’s goals of an open, thoughtful, and inclusive approach to finding our next leader.
During the coming weeks, you will gain insight on the timeline, consultant visits, surveys, and meetings in which to express your insight as we begin to identify candidates. We welcome – and encourage – your involvement to ensure all voices are heard.
Our goal is to have candidate(s) named early in the next semester with an ideal timeframe to start at the beginning of our next fiscal year, July 1, 2023. However, we want the right person to fill this critical role, so if the search takes longer, we will be well suited to continue to advance Rockford University through an interim President.
Interim Search Committee/Firm Confirmed
Based on the timeline, we have taken steps to begin identifying and interviewing candidates who will provide support and play an active role on campus and in the community to advance Rockford University’s mission and strategic plan, as well as supporting faculty, staff, and students on campus.
Members of the Board of Trustees Governance Committee including former Board Chairs Joel Moore, Elizabeth Donovan, and Jim Keeling will be working with me and The Registry to identify and confirm an interim President starting in December.
I very much look forward to this exciting and important process and welcome feedback and insight to achieve our goals together.
With RU Pride,
Rebecca Epperson
Chair, Board of Trustees
Rockford University President to Step Down in December 2022
Rockford University President to Step Down in December 202206/08/2022 9:00 am
Rockford University President to Step Down in December 2022
Fulcomer will leave Rockford University stronger and ready for its next chapter
ROCKFORD, Ill. (June 8, 2022) – Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year educational institution, has announced the resignation of its president, Dr. Eric Fulcomer, who has accepted a position as the president of the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (WAICU) in Madison, WI. He will remain at the university through mid-December 2022 to provide the Board of Trustees time to ensure a smooth transition.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the Rockford University students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and community,” shared Fulcomer. “While I look forward to this new chapter, I will miss the people and organizations with whom I have had the pleasure to work and will continue to count as friends and colleagues.”
During his more than nine years at the institution, Fulcomer helped Rockford University solidify its financial footing, enhance its community presence and partnerships, realize consistently strong enrollment, and navigate the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are just a few of the university’s accomplishments under his leadership:
- As the Vice President of Enrollment Management and then as President, Fulcomer put Rockford University on a course for consistent, sometimes record-breaking enrollment in undergraduate, graduate, and degree-completion programs.
- Early in his tenure as President, Fulcomer led a strategic planning initiative to align all stakeholders in identifying and achieving priorities for the university’s success. The plan became the roadmap for vitally important and successful initiatives.
- In 2018, Rockford University’s capital campaign concluded having raised $18.4M, which was more than $1M above the initial goal.
- The success of the capital campaign facilitated a multi-million dollar investment into campus improvements including an addition to Seaver Gymnasium, which houses a new fitness center and renovated classrooms for a growing kinesiology program; renovations to the Starr Science Building; upgrades to the residence halls; and significant improvements in campus infrastructure, technology, and the student experience.
- Fulcomer helped create an improved governance model for the Board of Trustees that is being utilized effectively still today.
- Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Fulcomer supported students, faculty, and staff to manage campus safety and transition learning so students had the flexibility to continue coursework without interruption.
- The Office of Student Life implemented a robust Student Leadership Program with more than 50 student leadership positions at the university.
- Working with regional higher education partners, Rockford University implemented new agreements with area community colleges that enhanced transfer of applied credits for degree completion programs.
Perhaps most importantly, the Board of Trustees credits Fulcomer with creating a culture of strategic planning, sound governance, and a high-functioning executive leadership team. While his specific achievements are numerous, they felt this will be his legacy for years to come.
“A true measure of leadership is the success of an organization once you are no longer in that role,” said Joel Moore, president of Rockford University Board of Trustees. “Eric’s contributions have strengthened internal and external relationships and provided a stable and successful foundation upon which the university will continue to grow. He will be missed, and we wish him continued success in his next endeavor.”
During the next six months, Fulcomer will continue in his role and assist the Board of Trustees in preparing for and transitioning to his successor. A full search is slated to begin this summer.
As the incoming president of WAICU, Fulcomer will oversee the official organization of the 23 independent (or private) nonprofit institutions of higher learning in Wisconsin. Membership is limited to accredited, nonprofit institutions headquartered in Wisconsin. WAICU members collectively enroll 53,000 students and offer over 470 academic programs and produce 23 percent of all the bachelor’s degrees and 35 percent of all the advanced degrees awarded in the state.
ABOUT ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY
Rockford University is a private four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. The University offers more than 80 majors, minors, and concentrations, including the bachelor’s degree completion program for a B.S. in Management Studies. Through its Graduate Studies department, degrees are extended to include the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), and Master of Education in Urban Education, (M.Ed.). Rockford University is home to one of only 11 Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) chapters in Illinois, the most prestigious honor society in the United States. Named by The Princeton Review as a Best Midwestern College and is a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,250 full-and part-time students.
For more information: Rebecca Epperson, Chartwell Agency, 815.282.9976 or RU@chartwell-agency.com.
