Campus News

Rockford, Ill. (June 24, 2022) – Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year educational institution, today announced that two of its employees – Dr. Mandolen Mull, Chair of the Puri School of Business and Assistant Professor of Leadership, and Autumn Schaal, MA, LPC, NCC, Personal Counselor and Disability Support Services Coordinator – were recently named two of the 2022 40 under Forty by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

Highlighting individuals who are compelling, interesting, and “doers”, the Chamber’s 40 under Forty honorees are people who have distinguished themselves in their professional field or organization, are engaged citizens, and provide leadership by volunteering their time and talents to community groups and causes.

“It is great to have two of our employee’s honored among a wide range of distinguished professionals from the Rockford area,” said Dr. Eric Fulcomer, Rockford University President. “We are thankful for their service to the university and the greater community.”

The 40 under Forty recognition began in 2008 and, including this year’s class, has honored 240 leaders since then and is comprised of men and women representing a variety of industries, including healthcare, government, nonprofits, finance, education, and professional services. Honorees are business leaders who impact their respective organizations and industries and who positively affect the local business environment.

Dr. Mandolen Mull

Dr. Mull has been with Rockford University since the fall of 2018 where she has been integral in revising the programs within the Puri School of Business and setting an inspiring vision toward sustainable success. Additionally, she owns MullMentum Consulting, helping to develop leaders and organizations across the globe.

“I am sincerely honored to be part of this year’s group of 40 under Forty,” said Dr. Mull. “I extend a heartfelt gratitude to my nominators and to the Chamber for this humbling recognition. Additionally, I would like to thank all of my phenomenal colleagues, students, and community partners who have helped me to feel welcomed and allowed me to serve here in Rockford.”

Autumn Schaal

Schaal joined Rockford University in April 2022 after completing an internship at the Lang Wellness Center on campus for her master’s degree in mental health counseling. As Rockford University’s Disability Support Services Coordinator, Schaal understands that a student’s environment plays a vital role in their academic success and overall health. Schaal has a wide range of experience in fields of wellness, and her holistic healing practices allow her to meet each student’s needs on an individual basis. In this position, Schaal works with her team to provide students with confidential support and to stimulate their physical and mental health.

“It is a great honor to be selected for 40 under Forty in my home community,” said Schaal. “I am especially encouraged by the number of health workers and mental health advocates who I am recognized along with this year and all the work they do in the Rockford community.”

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 offering a B.S. in management studies and accounting studies. Through its graduate programs, 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 as a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,250 full-and part-time students.