Campus News

ROCKFORD, Ill. (March 18, 2024) – The Board of Trustees for Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year institution, has announced the appointment of Dr. Patricia Lynott as the 19th President of the university, effective immediately.

Dr. Lynott has been serving as the Interim President since December 2022. During that time, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and a deep commitment to the university’s mission and values.

“We are thrilled to appoint Dr. Lynott as the official President of Rockford University,” said Rebecca Epperson, Chair, Rockford University Board of Trustees. “Throughout her tenure as Interim President, she has proven to be an outstanding leader, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. The impact she has made in just 18 months has been instrumental in moving our organization forward by identifying and launching new degrees, and programs to benefit students as well as further connecting it with our community’s business leaders for future workforce needs.” 

Dr. Lynott brings a wealth of experience to the role, with over 35 years in higher education. She began her career as a communications professor teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in rhetoric, political communication, and public speaking. At Elmhurst College, Dr. Lynott served as Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education, and became the founding director of Elmhurst Partners, the college’s corporate training division that provided custom programming to Chicago-area Fortune 500 companies.

At Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), she played a critical leadership role in transitioning a small regional business college into a national, multi-faceted university. Dr. Lynott successfully managed the impact of rapid and significant growth that required new business processes and structural reorganization during a period of remarkable transformation. She also served as vice president of academic affairs, provost, and as president of SNHU’s University College.

“I am honored and excited to continue serving as President of Rockford University,” said Dr. Lynott. “I am committed to advancing the university’s mission of educating people to lead responsible lives by means of a curriculum grounded in liberal arts learning and complemented and extended by professional and practical experience, and I look forward to working with our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners to ensure that Rockford University remains a place of excellence, innovation, and opportunity for all.”

ABOUT ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY

Rockford University, a private not-for-profit institution in Rockford, Illinois, is dedicated to providing a quality education rooted in liberal arts and professional studies. With a rich history from 1847, Rockford University is committed to preparing students for rewarding careers, responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning. To learn more about Rockford University, visit our website at www.rockford.edu.

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Contact:

Sara Myers

Rockford University Marketing and Communications

smyers@rockford.edu

communications@rockford.edu