Campus News

Rockford University President Eric W. Fulcomer, Ph.D., announces the appointment of Michael A. Perry, Ph.D., as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective immediately. Dr. Perry has served as interim provost and vice president since August 2018.

In this role, Dr. Perry is responsible for the integrity and implementation of all academic priorities for the University. Dr. Perry will also work closely with the University’s three college deans, department heads, faculty, and staff to ensure that the University’s educational programs align with the institutional mission and strategic priorities and are delivered with the highest possible quality.

Dr. Perry states, “I am excited to have the distinct honor to not only build upon the work done by my predecessors but also to continue work on initiatives started while serving as interim. I have been part of Rockford University for more than a decade, and I continue to be amazed at the good, hard work done by students, faculty, and staff. Moreover, I have grown to love Rockford and the greater Rockford area. I see the limitless possibilities and potential for the University as we seek more innovative and concrete ways to partner with our community and move forward together. We do this while at once honoring the legacy of alumna Jane Addams, as well as recognizing and supporting the talent and energy of our youth who are growing up in our region today.”

President Fulcomer adds, “It is clear to me that Michael has garnered much support over his decade-plus of service to Rockford University from faculty and staff, and the students to whom he is so dedicated. I appreciate the significant body of work he has undertaken as Interim Provost, including overseeing the restructuring of the Center for Learning strategies as well as laying the groundwork for a comprehensive academic assessment plan. Mike has similarly demonstrated valuable leadership in his work with the Executive Council. I look forward to having him continue to lead academic affairs as we implement the strategic plan and move Rockford University forward.”

Perry began his tenure at Rockford University in 2008 upon completing his Ph.D. at Arizona State University. He previously served as an Associate Professor of English; Chair of the English Department; Dean, College of Arts & Humanities; and as the NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative before beginning his appointment as Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs in the fall of 2018. His interests in teaching and research include African American literature, popular culture, and creative writing. He spearheaded an annual “Read Aloud of Black American Voices” in honor of Black History Month. Michael regularly presents at the Popular Culture and American Culture Association National Conference. In addition to presenting in areas as wide-ranging as black culture, horror, and rhetoric, he also chaired a panel of three Rockford University undergraduate students who presented work that stemmed from his class in graphic novels and the literary tradition.

Before obtaining his doctorate of philosophy in English from Arizona State, where he also taught as a teaching associate for five years, Perry taught for two years in the Minnesota community college system in a variety of settings, including the prison system. Michael obtained his master of arts in English from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn., and his bachelor of arts in English with minors in math and classics from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D. Perry lives in Loves Park with his wife, Karen, who is a registered nurse, and three children: Caleb, Julian, and Zoey.