Campus News

Rockford University President Eric W. Fulcomer, Ph.D., has announced the appointment of Michael Perry, Ph.D., as Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and that of Gregory Cascione, Ph.D., as Interim Vice President for Advancement. Former Provost and Vice President Dr. Michael Mihalyo left the University in July to accept the presidency at Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, West Virginia. Dr. Cascione replaces Bernard Sundstedt, who retired as Vice President for Institutional Advancement at the end of June 2018.

President Fulcomer notes, “While we miss Michael’s and Bern’s leadership, we know that with change comes opportunity to learn from individuals who bring new perspective and energy to our work. We begin this academic year, our 172nd, with a keen focus on efforts that enhance our students’ academic and co-curricular experiences. I look forward to the passion and expertise Dr. Perry and Dr. Cascione bring to their respective leadership roles and I’m excited to work alongside of them this year.”

About Michael Perry, Ph.D.

Dr. Perry began his tenure at Rockford University in 2008 upon completing his Ph.D. at Arizona State University. Prior to his appointment as Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Perry served as Dean, College of Arts & Humanities; and as the NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative. 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. Furthermore, Michael regularly presents at the Popular Culture and American Culture Association National Conference, where 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.

Prior to obtaining his doctorate of philosophy in English from Arizona State, Michael 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. Dr. Perry lives in Rockford with his wife, Karen, who is a registered nurse, and three children: Caleb, Julian and Zoey.

About Gregory Cascione, Ph.D.
Dr. Cascione has more than 30 years of professional and academic experience in advancing philanthropy and fund development for higher education and non-profit organizations. His extensive background includes experience in leading all aspects of advancement, development, alumni relations, development research, marketing and public relations.

Dr. Cascione earned his B.A. in Philosophy from Fordham University; a M.T.S. in Ethics from Harvard University; his M.B.A. from the University of Edinburgh; and his doctorate from the University of Michigan. Dr. Cascione has devoted his career to the discipline of Advancement and has a proven record in successful philanthropic work for several institutions that include University of Michigan, Minnesota State University, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Harvard Law School, University of Detroit Mercy, and Marygrove College.

Rockford University will conduct nation-wide searches to fill both the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Vice President for Advancement positions. Searches will begin in late fall.