Campus News

As I write this, we are beginning the second half of the fall semester. It has been a good semester in many ways. We welcomed 300 new students to our traditional program and dozens more in our adult and graduate programs. Overall, our enrollment stands at 1225 students this fall, up from 1211 last fall. Our students come from 32 states and 20 countries – we are truly a global campus community.

In May, our Board of Trustees approved a new strategic plan that will map our course for the next five years, extending beyond our 175th anniversary. The plan is structured around four thematic elements and has its roots in Liberal Arts learning. Through robust external relations that leverage the support of an engaged community of partners, we will build a thriving campus that puts students first by providing a distinct student experience in and out of the classroom. Utilizing cutting-edge instruction, and with a commitment to instructional support, the university will conduct an unceasing and ongoing assessment of all practices that will create a vibrant sense of place for all.

Already this fall, we have begun to implement the strategic plan, particularly in the areas of student engagement and the development of partnerships with regional community colleges and businesses. We also have broken ground on the 3,800 square foot addition to the Seaver Physical Education Center, which you’ll note is featured on this issue’s cover. This $3.5 million project, funded by alumni and friends through the Rock Solid and Ready Campaign, will include an enhanced weight and fitness space and will add more classroom space for the rapidly growing physical education and exercise science programs. More details about the conclusion of our capital campaign and Seaver addition can be found on pg. 5.   

All in all, we have had a great start to the academic year. If you haven’t been back to campus recently, I encourage you to make a trip to see all of the exciting things happening at Rockford University.

Sincerely,

Eric W. Fulcomer, Ph.D.