Rockford University and UIC Retzky College of Pharmacy Announce 3+4 Two-Degree Pathway to Pharmacy Program
07/30/2025 12:59 pm
Rockford University and the University of Illinois Chicago Retzky College of Pharmacy are proud to announce an innovative partnership that creates a streamlined, accelerated pathway for aspiring pharmacists. The new 3+4 program allows students to earn both their Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees in just seven years—saving time and tuition while positioning them for early career success.
Students in the 3+4 pathway will complete three years at Rockford University before transitioning to UIC Retzky College of Pharmacy on either their Rockford or Chicago campus. After their first year at UIC, they’ll earn a Bachelor of Science from Rockford University, and after three more years, a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD). This accelerated program saves students a year of tuition, allows them to begin their pharmacy careers sooner, and connects them to two strong alumni networks. They’ll also benefit from early mentorship with UIC pharmacy students, faculty, and staff while completing their studies at Rockford University.
“One of the great things about having a campus in Rockford is getting to partner with exceptional institutions like Rockford University, helping students from northern Illinois on their path to becoming pharmacists and serving the community, pharmacists are among the most trusted healthcare professionals.” said Dr. Kevin Rynn, Vice Dean of the UIC Retzky College of Pharmacy in Rockford.
This collaboration addresses a pressing workforce challenge. In the United States, pharmacy job postings reached 16,537 in the fourth quarter of 2024, reflecting sustained demand amid a persistent pharmacist shortage (Pharmacy Demand Report, 2025). Illinois faces a particularly acute situation—many pharmacies, especially in central and southern regions, have reduced hours or closed, despite offering starting salaries up to $125,000 plus $75,000 signing bonuses (Reeder, 2024). By developing this accelerated 3+4 pathway, Rockford University and UIC Retzky College of Pharmacy are offering an innovative solution to strengthen the future pharmacy workforce—helping fill these critical roles more swiftly, improving patient access, and supporting healthcare across Illinois and beyond.
“This innovative partnership gives our students a clear, supportive path to achieving their dreams of becoming pharmacists,” said Dr. Patty Lynott, President of Rockford University. “By streamlining the journey to a PharmD, we’re helping them save time and tuition, and launch their careers with the confidence and preparation that comes from two outstanding institutions.”
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For further information, please contact Kayla Eddy, Rockford University Marketing Coordinator, at keddy@rockford.edu.
The Regents First Summer 2025 Retreat Aims to set First-Generation College Students up for Success at Rockford University
07/23/2025 1:11 pm
This summer, Rockford University will welcome a group of incoming, first-generation, freshmen students to campus for the Rockford University Regents First Summer 2025 Retreat.
The retreat runs from Sunday, July 27, 2025 through Friday, August 1, 2025. It kicks off at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday in the Burpee Student Center.
“It’s a residential camp and students will live on campus,” Dr. Walker said about the retreat.
“The purpose is to saturate them in the college experience and equip them for a successful launch into their college journey.”
Walker adds that the retreat will cover many topics including time management, effective communication strategies, finding a job on campus, developing a growth mindset, and much more. The week will be filled with opportunities for students to connect with campus resources to assist them with their transition.
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For further information, please contact Kayla Eddy, Rockford University Marketing Coordinator, at keddy@rockford.edu.
Rockford University now Home to Chapter of First-Gen Honors Society Tri-AlphaAs of July 2025, Rockford University–alongside ten other colleges and universities in the state of Illinois–has the distinct honor of being home to a chapter of the Tri-Alpha Honor Society.
“Induction into Tri-Alpha is earned by outstanding academic achievement and provides an opportunity for personal growth, leadership development, and campus and community service for first-generation college students. The formation of this new honor society at Rockford University reinforces our commitment to support students who will be the first in their family to obtain a bachelor’s degree,” said Dr. Karen Walker, Dean of Student Support Programming.
“Tri-Alpha, also known as Alpha Alpha Alpha, is a national honor society specifically designed to recognize and support first-generation college students. Tri-Alpha’s mission is to celebrate the academic achievements of first-generation college students, promote leadership development, and provide a network of support for these students. (https://www.1stgenhonors.org/home).
“It’s wonderful that Rockford University now has an honor society to celebrate first generation college students!” said Dr. Elizabeth Davies, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “We have always welcomed and supported students who are the first in their families to get a college degree, and now we have a way to formally recognize their academic achievements by inducting them into the Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor Society. The Tri-Alpha Honor Society will help students distinguish themselves to employers as a motivated, smart, courageous student who accepted the challenge to get a college degree and persevered. I’m so thrilled we have this chapter on campus now.”
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For further information, please contact Kayla Eddy, Marketing Coordinator, at keddy@rockford.edu.
Game On: RU Breaks Ground on All-New Turf Field
06/26/2025 11:04 am
On Wednesday, we officially broke ground on our brand new, multipurpose, turf athletic field!
“This new field is more than just a place to play,” said Rockford University president Dr. Patricia Lynott at the official groundbreaking. “It’s a place where leadership is going to be developed, perseverance is going to be tested, and pride is going to be shared.”
Funding for the turf field will come from the State of Illinois’s Independent Colleges Capital Investment Grant, the same grant that funded construction of our new baseball and softball fields. Byrne and Jones Sports Construction will lead the project.
Thank you to all of the donors, trustees, alums, staff, faculty, students, friends, family, and Rockford community members who braved the heat to celebrate this new beginning with us!
Watch the full press conference–featuring words of support from Mayor Tom NcNamara alongside President Patricia Lynott, Associate Director of Athletics Jess Stanek, and VP of Advancement Katherine Trotter–on the official RU YouTube channel.
Associate Director of Athletics Jess Stanek and Director of Athletics Jason Mulligan with RU’s #1 Fan, Reggie!
Associate Director of Athletics Jess Stanek, Director of Athletics Jason Mulligan, Football Coach Calvin Toliver, and Flag Football Coach Tim Trevier break ground on the new field!
Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara with RU’s #1 Fan, Reggie!
VP of Advancement Katherine Trotter and President Lynott catch up with Sunil Puri, wearing a classic RU jersey!
Assistant Professor, Bachelor’s in Social Work Program, Tenure Track
06/18/2025 2:15 pm
Rockford University, the alma mater of Jane Addams, seeks to hire a full-time, teaching track faculty member at the assistant professor level, as part of the creation of its new bachelor’s degree social work program. The position will begin in Fall 2025 and carry a teaching load of five courses per semester (15 credit hours per semester). Rockford University represents an attractive institution at which to begin a teaching career, offering many opportunities for professional growth while teaching at the undergraduate level.
Successful candidates must have an MSW from a CSWE accredited program and be licensed or license-eligible in the State of Illinois (DSW or Ph.D. in social work preferred but not required). Preference for candidates who have at least two years of post-master’s degree experience in social work practice. Experience in CSWE accreditation processes particularly desirable.
Rockford University is located in Rockford, IL, within convenient commuting distance to Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison, WI. Rockford University is a four-year, co-educational institution founded in 1847 offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in traditional liberal arts and professional fields. We offer approximately 80 majors, minors and concentrations, and are home to one of only 11 Phi Beta Kappa (PBK) chapters in Illinois, the most prestigious honor society in the United States, as well as to NCAA Division III athletics teams.
Please submit, via e-mail, a single .pdf resume, cover letter, transcripts (official upon hire), and list of three professional references to HumanResources@rockford.edu . Review of resumes will begin immediately and continue until the position if filled. This opportunity offers an annual salary of 55,000-60,000.
Our Benefits: Supporting You Every Step of the Way
We believe in taking care of our employees, which is why we offer a competitive benefits package that goes above and beyond. Here’s how we support your health, happiness, and future:
· Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance to ensure you and your family stay healthy.
· Savings for Health & Dependent Care: Flexible savings options to manage healthcare and dependent care costs.
· Financial Protection: Life, AD&D, and disability insurance for peace of mind when life throws you a curveball.
· Retirement Security: 403(b) plan with employer contributions to help you build a secure future.
· Personal Support: Access to our Employee Assistance Program, offering resources for both personal and professional needs.
· Education Benefits: Tuition remission for full-time and part-time employees, their spouses, and dependents. We offer tuition remission both at Rockford University and other partnering colleges through a tuition exchange.
· Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off to help you recharge and spend quality time with loved ones.
At Rockford University, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that values a well-rounded workforce and community. We welcome candidates who, through their professional experience, contribute to excellence in their work and enhance our institutional mission.
Rockford University Announces Plans for Multi-Purpose Turf Athletic Field
06/18/2025 1:49 pm
Rockford University is proud to announce plans to install a new multi-purpose turf athletic field. Funding for the new field will come from the State of Illinois’s Independent Colleges Capital Investment Grant, the same grant that funded construction of our new baseball and softball fields. Byrne and Jones Sports Construction will lead the project.
“We at Byrne & Jones Sports Construction are thrilled to partner with Rockford University on this exciting project, uniting our expertise with their vision to create exceptional facilities for student athletes. Together, we share a steadfast commitment to empowering these young champions, fostering their growth, and building spaces that inspire excellence, teamwork, and pride for generations to come,” said Joseph Schuit, Director of Sales at Byrne and Jones.
“At a time when many institutions are scaling back, we are investing boldly in our future,” said Rockford University President Dr. Patricia Lynott. “The installation of our new turf football/soccer field underscores our commitment to growing athletics as a key part of student life and campus pride. With the addition of a track program, and as the first college in the state to add Women’s Flag Football, we are proud to lead with vision, momentum, and opportunity.”
More details to come.
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Please contact the Rockford University Marketing and Communications department, communications@rockford.edu, with any questions.
Rockford University’s Annual Golf Play Day: A Great Day for a Great Cause
06/13/2025 10:14 am
On June 12, 2025, Rockford University hosted our annual Golf Play Day at the beautiful Aldeen Golf Club in Rockford, IL. This signature event raises critical funds to support our Athletics programs, which serve more than 30% of our student body.
This year’s event was a tremendous success, with over 100 golfers and more than 30 generous sponsors coming together to raise just over $24,000 in support of our Regents.
We are deeply grateful for the continued support of the Rockford community. Your generosity helps fuel our student-athletes’ success—on the field, in the classroom, and beyond.
Click here to view photos from the event and visit RockfordRegents.com to stay up-to-date on all things Rockford University Athletics!
Rockford University to Host Third Annual Business Summit
06/04/2025 1:17 pm
Rockford University will hold its third annual business summit on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 7:30-noon. This year’s focus is on the Greater Rockford region’s “Workforce Ecosystem.”
A workforce ecosystem is a dynamic and interconnected network of employees, contingent workers, industry partners, and educators who collectively contribute to an organization’s success. A dynamic “Workforce Ecosystem” flourishes when the environment is fostered by seamless collaboration among industry, education, and community organizations. This year’s panelists include:
- Jim Derry, CEO, Field Fastener
- Angela Kay Larson, CEO, Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce
- Mary Gaffey, VP of HR and Strategy, Etnyre International
- Jay Sandine, Executive Director, Rockford Park District
- Panel Moderator: Lesly Couper, President, Workplace Staffing
Registration for this event is free and includes breakfast, with an optional lunch for purchase. During lunch, a Networking Expo will provide an opportunity for B2B connections, networking, and informal conversations.
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For further information, please contact Kayla Eddy, Rockford University Marketing Coordinator, at keddy@rockford.edu.
Professor Timm Adams Named Artistic Director of Camerata Emanon
05/15/2025 8:54 am
Congratulations to RU’s own Timm Adams on being named the Artistic Director of Camerata Emanon! Timm will continue in his role of Associate Professor of Music at RU while leading the Camerata Emanon Singers.
From Camerata Emanon on Facebook: The board of Camerata Emanon is pleased to announce the appointment of its new artistic director, following the outstanding ten-year leadership of Dr. Timothy Anderson. The new director will be Timm Adams, Associate Professor of Music at Rockford University.
Timm brings years of experience in theater, musical theater, vocal instruction, and choral conducting to his new role, having directed the renowned Chicago Chamber Choir from 2000-2015 as well as choirs at Rockford University and other institutions.
Since its founding in 1999, The Camerata Emanon Singers has brought together talented individuals from the greater Rockford region with a passion for singing. As a community chamber choir dedicated to singing choral compositions requiring little or no accompaniment, Camerata Emanon has presented music from a variety of styles and periods at its concerts. It has also been blessed with former artistic directors, founder Rulee Stallmann (1999-2015) and Tim Anderson (2015-2025).
“After singing with the fine musicians of Camerata Emanon for five years, I’m looking forward to continuing Tim Anderson’s excellent work,” said new artistic director Timm Adams. “I’m fascinated by the ability of the human voice to move an audience. I’m also interested in the storytelling of choral programming. And I’m committed to the community role of choirs, for both the singers and the community at large. I look forward to developing further the chorus’s beautiful sound and chamber repertoire to complement the already rich musical scene in Rockford. Thank you for this opportunity.”
Photo from the 2024 RUPA trip to perform at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland.
Rockford University to Hold 171st Commencement Ceremony
05/02/2025 1:22 pm
On Saturday, May 10, Rockford University will hold its 171st Commencement Ceremony at the Coronado Performing Arts Center. The ceremony begins at 10:00 a.m. and will be livestreamed simultaneously on the Rockford University YouTube channel.
Speaking at the ceremony is Judge Joyce Williams Warren. Judge Warren is a retired judge for the Sixth Judicial District in Arkansas. She attended both Rockford College and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR), where she received a BA in sociology and anthropology in 1971. When she was only 11 years old, Judge Warren and nine other Black students were the first to integrate West Side Junior High School in Little Rock, AK. Judge Warren went on to be the first Black female graduate of the William H. Bowen School of Law and Arkansas’ first Black female judge. She began her career as a clerk at the Arkansas Supreme Court in 1977. She went on to serve in the Arkansas government in a variety of positions, and for a time was in private practice. In 1990 she was elected as a judge to the Sixth Circuit of Arkansas, where she served until 2020. In 2023 Warren was inducted into the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame.
“I am looking forward, eagerly, to giving the keynote speech for Rockford University’s 171st Commencement Ceremony,” said Judge Warren. “It is a great honor to be a part of—and a witness to—this historical event. Rockford University marked the beginning of my post-secondary education and helped prepare me for the personal and professional accomplishments I have been blessed to achieve.”
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For more information and to RSVP, please contact the Rockford University Marketing and Communications department, communications@rockford.edu.
