Rockford University, the region’s premier private, four-year university, proudly announces the largest incoming freshmen class on record.

The fall 2024 freshman cohort comprises 215 new students, a historic milestone for the university that reflects its commitment to academic excellence, inclusivity, and community engagement.

“We are thrilled to welcome our largest incoming freshmen class on record to the university this fall,” said Rockford University president, Dr. Patricia Lynott. “This achievement speaks to the dedication of our faculty and staff and the growing appeal of Rockford University’s distinctive programs and vibrant campus life. We look forward to seeing these students thrive as they contribute to our campus community.”

The fall 2024 freshman class includes 214 full-time students and one part-time student, all representing diverse interests and backgrounds that enrich the Rockford University experience. Additionally, 126 of the incoming students are athletes, bringing a unique mix of talent, ambition, and engagement to campus life.

Rockford University’s consistent enrollment growth in recent years underscores the institution’s focus on providing a supportive and engaging academic environment. Fall 2023 saw 191 full-time freshmen join the university, fall 2022 brought in 168, and fall 2021 had 193 freshmen.

About Rockford University

Founded in 1847, Rockford University is a private, not-for-profit institution located in Rockford, Illinois, dedicated to providing high-quality education rooted in the liberal arts and professional studies. Rockford University prepares students for successful careers, responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning. For more information, visit www.rockford.edu.

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Contact:

Rockford University Marketing and Communications

communications@rockford.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 8, 2024

ROCKFORD, ILL.– Rockford University President Dr. Patricia Lynott will speak at the Rockford Network of Professional Women’s (RNPW) luncheon meeting this October at Rockford University. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Dr. Lynott will speak at 12:30 p.m. 

The event will be held in Regents Hall in the Blanche Walker Burpee Student Center on Rockford University’s campus. Rockford University is located at 5050 E. State St. in Rockford, Illinois. 

About Dr. Lynott 

Dr. Lynott began service as president of Rockford University on March 1, 2024, having served as the interim president since December 12, 2022.

In her 35+ years in higher education, Dr. Lynott has combined a successful teaching career with innovative academic leadership. She began her career as a communication 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.

About RNPW

RNPW began in March 1981 when four Rockford women met to discuss how women in the Rock River Region could come together to support other women. This first meeting evolved into weekly organizational meetings, and the RNPW became official in June 1981. 

Local media is invited to the Rockford University campus to cover this event.

We ask the media to please contact Rockford University’s Communications Department at Communications@Rockford.edu or Sara Myers at SMyers@rockford.edu by Oct. 14 at 5 p.m., to let us know that you are attending. 

Contact:

Sara Myers

RU Marketing & Communications

smyers@rockford.edu 

815.394.5052 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 4, 2024

ROCKFORD, ILL.- Physicist and Airworthiness Deputy at NASA K. Renee Horton, Ph.D., will present “The Intersection of Talent and Passion” on Friday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. as part of Rockford University’s Forum Series in collaboration with the Illinois Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT).

Rockford University is hosting the joint fall 2024 ISAAPT and WAPT (Wisconsin Area Physics Teachers) meeting entitled “Physics Without Boundaries.”

This public talk is part of the Forum Series and will also be the keynote speech for the AAPT conference.

The event will be held in Maddox Theatre in Clark Arts Center on Rockford University’s campus. Rockford University is located at 5050 E. State St. in Rockford, Illinois.

There will be several sessions that may be of interest to a wide range of audiences such as sessions on science communication, inclusivity in the classroom, contributed talks on the use of augmented and virtual reality, a presentation on the “Lost City,” and “Clipper” missions in an inflatable planetarium dome.

To register for the conference, use this link.

The public talk by Dr. Horton is free and open to anyone. We ask guests to RSVP to the event at this link here.

About K. Renee Horton, Ph.D.

Dr. Horton is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and works in the community for STEM education and STEM outreach. She believes in changing the face of STEM and is the founder of Unapologetically Being, Inc. a nonprofit for advocacy and mentoring in STEM.

In her lecture, Dr. Horton will explore the intersection of science research, life’s struggles, and a career in STEM, focusing on the theme of overcoming a disability. Through personal anecdotes and scientific accomplishments, we will delve into the challenges faced highlighting the power of determination and perseverance in overcoming obstacles. Join us as we discuss how resilience, innovation, and a passion for discovery can lead to success and inspire positive change in the world

Forum Series

The Rockford University Forum Series presents speakers in a variety of disciplines who have achieved success both nationally and locally, and performers of stature in the arts. The Forum Series’ central programming focus is geared toward students, while also seeking to connect the campus to the local community. Lectures and performances are concerned with intellectual, social, and cultural matters of general interest to deepen and broaden students’ education at Rockford University and enhance the rich culture of Rockford.

Forum Series presenters and events cover a broad spectrum of scope and genre. Events have included the Tibetan lamas from Drepung Loseling Monastery and their creation of a mandala—a sacred sand painting; Holocaust survivor Zev Kedem, the compelling speaker who worked with Steven Spielberg on the movie Schindler’s List; Oscar Arias, former president of Costa Rica and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize for his work on a Central American Peace Plan; quadriplegic Olympic bronze medal rugby player Mark Zupan; film documentarian Barbara Martinez Jitner, who produced “La Frontera;” Davar Ardalan, author of “My Name is Iran;” and traditional University events like the President’s Opening Convocation, Charter Day Convocation, and theater productions.

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Local media is invited to the Rockford University campus to cover this event. We ask the media to please email Sara Myers at SMyers@rockford.edu to let us know that you are coming.

Please email us by Oct. 10 at 5 p.m. to let us know you are attending.

Contact:

Sara Myers

RU Marketing & Communications

smyers@rockford.edu

815.394.5052

By Kayla Eddy, Social Media & Web Coordinator 

Rockford University Athletics has had an outstanding year. With the introduction of flag football, two brand-new athletic fields, exciting seasons for many teams, and a winning Esports program, the future looks bright for the Regents!

“It has been an outstanding year for Regent Athletics,” said Jason Mulligan, Director of Athletics. “We started the school year with a special Hall of Fame class being inducted. Longtime softball head coach, player, and administrator Kristyn King and baseball standout, Tom Flood, entered the Charles M. DeWild Hall of Fame. This spring saw longtime head coach Bob Koopmann take over the top spot as the all-time winningest coach in baseball program history, [and] the biggest development of the year was the announcement and construction of Phase I of our new athletic complex.”

Flag Football

Rockford University is proud to be the first university in Illinois to have a women’s flag football program. 

“Since our founding in 1847 as Rockford Female Seminary, Rockford University has been at the forefront of advancing educational opportunities for women,” Rockford University President Patricia Lynott said. “Now we can build upon that tradition with the introduction of women’s flag football.”

Head coach Tim Trevier has been busy recruiting for the inaugural Spring 2025 season.

RU is proud to be a forerunner in the introduction of flag football to the collegiate level. 

New Fields

In late November of 2023, RU broke ground on two brand new baseball and softball fields thanks to a $3.58 million grant from Illinois’ Independent College Capital Investment Grant. 

These new fields will “bring Rockford University baseball and softball players back home to play on their own turf,” said Linda Sandquist, former VP of Advancement. 

Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara attended the press conference to show his support. “We couldn’t be more proud of Rockford University,” he said. “And this is just another reason for all of us to celebrate the tremendous traditions that have taken place here at the university.”

Exciting Seasons

The fall season brought with it a first for our men’s soccer program,” said Mulligan. In a historic move, the team made their first-ever trip to the NACC Tournament. Their five NACC wins throughout the season were the most in program history. 

“Making it to the NACC tournament for the first time in school history was huge for the program,” said Quinn Vukovic, defensive player and RU Marketing major. “What coach Mike has done in the three years he’s been here has been nothing short of amazing. The guys and I all agree that it’s just the beginning and now the only thing we want to do is go further into the tournament.” 

“It’s hard to pick one moment,” Vukovic said when asked about a stand-out moment or game from the season. “The first one that comes to mind is when we beat CUC this year. After back-to-back close losses in previous years it was a great feeling to finally beat them and celebrate with the team. The guys worked hard all game and getting to share that moment with them was amazing.”

It was also a memorable season for both men’s and women’s basketball. Both teams qualified for the NACC Tournament; the women’s team played a great, down-to-the-wire game, and the men’s team advanced to play in the NACC final round. 

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This article is part of the 2023-2024 issue of Catalyst.

By Dr. Kelly Monson, Dr. Danielle Klein, & Dr. Beth Lipton

On May 14, 2024, sixteen students and three Rockford University faculty began a week-long transformational journey to serve a small rural community in the Dominican Republic.  Participants were immersed in the culture of the community through service and teaching.  

The team who led the students on this trip included Dr. Kelly Monson, Dr. Danielle Klein, and Dr. Beth Lipton, and had support on campus from Julie Griffith. Monsoon, Klein, and Lipton guided students through a cross-cultural experience that integrated their study abroad academic experience, combined with service.

Rockford University partnered with Kids Around the World, an outreach organization established in Rockford, to build a playground for a small community in the Dominican Republic.  This was the second Serve and Study Abroad trip for Rockford University in partnership with Kids Around the World, the first in 2022 serving in Ecuador.   

The team spent two rewarding and challenging days building a playground and one day teaching in a public school within the community.   

Student Daniella Torres Mandujano shared, “I am leaving feeling extremely grateful, grateful for the opportunity to have been able to go on such a remarkable trip. Grateful isn’t enough to express how it feels to have been able to be part of building a playground where children will be able to make lots of memories & be allowed to play, I hope to return and see the children playing, the impact it’s made on me is just as big as the impact it will be making on the children. The children there were the most welcoming and accepting, arriving at the school and feeling so loved and appreciated by the children made me so grateful to be there.”

Spanish is the primary language in the Dominican Republic and five of the Rockford University students were excited to act as translators throughout the trip. 

As student Naomi Cano Rodriguez shared, “To me the trip was astonishing. From seeing the kid’s faces light up to the parachute to having our final countdown as a team. Being able to speak Spanish was such an amazing possibility. I was able to make a deeper connection with the children and be able to help out the team by translating when it was needed. I was very excited to go out of the country for the first time because I knew that we were in good hands. As we landed and the days that we stayed I saw how the stories my mother used to tell me about how she lived when she was a child in Mexico and how the children’s lives were very similar.  

It brought tears to my eyes but I am beyond thankful to have built a playground in a location where all the children can enjoy and spend time with their families. This whole trip was very monumental because it made me realize all the stuff we take for granted that the families in the D.R. would love to have and it invokes change in me to be more appreciative for the stuff I have at home.  I am beyond thankful to the Kid Around the World team for all their effort in welcoming us and showing us the beauty that the Dominican Republic has to offer.”

The Rockford University students and faculty had the privilege of celebrating with the community and local government after the playground was complete. Students were appreciative of this opportunity.  

Student Savannah Turen shared, “Back home life is completely different. But not necessarily in a bad way. I will never forget the love the community gave us at the playground dedication. Back home playgrounds are so common they are often forgotten about. We forget to appreciate the simple things around us that not everyone has. This trip is a reminder to appreciate the little and simple things in life every day, not just sometimes.”

The majority of the students on this trip had never traveled out of the country and as future educators, the teaching opportunity had an impact on their future. 

Student Jennifer Pina shared, “I believe that there is truly no way to describe the impact of this trip besides actually living it. I have never flown out of the country, let alone be part of a project that would impact so many.  Being able to experience this trip allowed me to feel grateful for not only everything that I have back home but also the experience, culture, food, and community that we were surrounded by. 

As a future educator, I was grateful to work with children from a different population. As a person, I was grateful to work with and interact with people from a different Spanish-speaking culture who became like family. I am thankful for everyone who made this possible. I will forever remember this trip and can’t wait for the next one!”

Student Julissa Gutierrez shared that this was a life-changing experience.

“I am happy to say that going on this trip was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” Gutirrez said. “Not only do I feel that we really made a difference in the lives of many, but I also feel that I am going back home a different person in the best way possible. I met so many new people, listened to all kinds of stories, and learned about a beautiful culture. Not only that, but I learned that my life’s purpose goes way beyond what I thought before. I hope to continue living my life seeking the same joy, peace, and fulfillment that I felt throughout this whole adventure.”

This was an impactful experience for everyone on the trip. Students were asked to provide an impact word and story that encompassed their experience.  The impact terms included: Life-changing, Wondrous, Joyful, Eternal, Grateful, Unforgettable, Monumental, Love, Community, Appreciative, Grateful, Interesting, Grateful and Growth, Roles, Blissful, and Risk-taker.  

Rockford University hopes to partner with Kids Around the World to create a third Serve and Learn opportunity in the future.

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This article is part of the 2023-2024 issue of Catalyst. 

By Kayla Eddy, Social Media & Web Coordinator 

In the Fall 2023 semester, the Regents Esports Overwatch team won the conference championships, prevailing over Camden County College. In addition to their conference win, they finished the season undefeated (8-0).

In response to this exciting win, Tanner Elliott, Esports Director, said, “The Regents Esports team fought hard this semester with all three teams qualifying for playoffs. Each player put countless hours of time and dedication into their season and it showed, coming out on top over schools like Illinois State, John Brown University, North Dakota State, Nebraska University, and many others. The Regents Rainbow Six Siege team finished in the top 16 in the Midwest after playing in the MidwestR6 league, the Regents Valorant team placed third overall in their conference (East 7), and the season ended with a conference title win as the Regents Overwatch team finished a flawless season (8-0) and took home the East 10 Conference title. I could not be more proud of the players; watching each of them grow into champions has been the highlight of my semester.”

Conference wins were not the only big things happening in the Esports department. Early in the Spring 2024 semester, Regents Esports teamed up with Elgin High School Esports to release Game Changer: An Esports Story. In the social media video, students from Elgin and RU answered the question: “Why Esports?”

Aside from a place to share their passion for video games, the Esports teams at RU and Elgin said that Esports helps students learn about teamwork and digital literacy, allows them to push boundaries, and helps them build strong communities and friendships. 

The team has also announced the availability of Esports scholarships for both players and fans. Scholarships are available in two areas: Varsity Competition and Support. Competition scholarships are for students who would like to play Overwatch, Valorant, Rainbow 6 Siege, and Rocket League competitively. Support scholarships are for students who would like to assist with social media, production, shout-casting, and graphic design. 

So, what’s next for Regents Esports? 

“Rockford University Esports is on the way to becoming a premier destination for college students with aspirations to be a Collegiate Esports Player,” said Tanner Elliot. “We are developing a program that we can be proud of, where athletes can be excited and motivated to compete, and where athletes can thrive academically and in competition. We are hoping to continue to grow our program, bring in new players, and show Rockford off.”

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This article is part of the 2023-2024 issue of Catalyst. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sept. 12, 2024

ROCKFORD, ILL.- Native American activist, Harvard-educated economist, and author Winona LaDuke will visit Rockford University on Wednesday, September 18, to celebrate the International Day of Peace. 

The event will be held Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 7 p.m. in Fisher Chapel located on Rockford University’s campus. Rockford University is located at 5050 E. State St. in Rockford, Illinois. 

About Winona LaDuke 

LaDuke has devoted her life to advocating for indigenous people’s rights; environmental justice; women’s and children’s rights; rural development, and economic, food, and energy sovereignty.
In 1989, she founded the White Earth Land Recovery Project (WELRP), a reservation-based land acquisition, environmental advocacy, and cultural organization and one of the largest reservation-based nonprofits in the country.

In 1994, LaDuke was nominated by Time Magazine as one of America’s 50 most promising leaders under the age of 40. She was awarded The Thomas Merton Award in 1996, The Biha Community Service Award in 1997, The Ann Bancroft Award for Women’s Leadership Fellowship, and The Reebok Human Rights Award (which she used to begin the White Earth Land Recovery Project). 

LaDuke was a two-time Green Party running mate for Ralph Nader in 1996 and 2000, and she is an international thought leader and lecturer in climate justice, renewable energy, and environmental justice, plus an advocate for protecting Indigenous plants and heritage foods from patenting and genetic engineering.

Today, LaDuke lives and works on the White Earth reservation in northern Minnesota, and she is active with multiple organizations. Her latest effort is Winona’s Hemp and Heritage, a farm and nonprofit agency whose mission is to create an Indigenous women-led economy that is kind to the Earth.

Jane Addams Center for Civic Engagement 

The Jane Addams Center for Civic Engagement (JACCE) advances the ideals of Rockford University through the study and practice of citizenship, service, and lifelong learning. We work to connect the classroom to the community while emphasizing community building and lifetime partnerships.

JACCE is located in Fisher Chapel. Visit us during our open hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email us anytime at JACCE@rockford.edu.

Forum Series

The Rockford University Forum Series presents speakers in various disciplines who have achieved success nationally and locally, and performers of stature in the arts. The Forum Series’ central programming focus is geared toward students and seeks to connect the campus to the local community. Lectures and performances are concerned with intellectual, social, and cultural matters of general interest to deepen and broaden students’ education at Rockford University and enhance the rich culture of Rockford.

Local media is invited to the Rockford University campus to cover this event.

To RSVP, please contact Rockford University’s Communications Department at Communications@Rockford.edu by Sept. 17 at 5 p.m.

Contact:

Sara Myers

RU Marketing & Communications

smyers@rockford.edu 

communications@rockford.edu 

815.394.5052 

Q: What drew you to Rockford University?  

A: The opportunity to work on a gorgeous campus at an esteemed educational institution that is so committed to its students and community was irresistible!  Rockford University has a terrific reputation, and is leading the way in demonstrating a nimble response to the challenges facing higher education; altogether, these factors made me thrilled to join the RU team. In addition, the fact that both RU and my alma mater, Swarthmore College, have a connection to Jane Addams, makes it feel especially like it was meant to be!

Q: What drew you to this specific role?  

A: The opportunity to serve as provost with such a dedicated faculty, president, deans, and colleagues, and to support an institution so committed to student success, particularly for first-generation college students, was deeply appealing.

Q: What makes Rockford University so special? 

A: Rockford is a unique higher education institution in that it both embodies what is best about the liberal arts tradition- a strong arts and humanities focus, a vibrant intellectual life (as reflected in part by its Phi Beta Kappa chapter), and a wonderful tradition of theater, music, creative writing, and visual arts- coupled with an incredibly strong and successful career focus, as reflected by our education, nursing, business and science programs (among many others!).  It really makes a powerful argument for the value of getting a bachelor’s degree. And of course, there are the wild turkeys!

Q: What impact do you hope you make in this role? 

A: If I can create more space for meaningful dialogue and communication between all the stakeholders of the university- faculty, students, staff, alumni, administrators, community members, and others- so that we can all collaborate for the betterment of each other and RU, I will feel like I have had a positive impact.

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This article is part of the 2023-2024 issue of Catalyst. 

Q: Can you describe the role of a Diversity Officer at Rockford University? 

A: The role of the Diversity Officer at Rockford University is to champion goals and outcomes and create a climate that allows all members of the RU community to be authentic in their teaching and learning experience—creating a campus culture that is conducive for living, learning, leadership preparation and students that will be positive contributors to society. These goals are accomplished through training, policy, practice and procedure assessment, and community connections. 

Therefore, the role is complex and addresses multiple intersections of teaching and learning, knowledge development, and gaining pre-professional and professional experience. Being the first person in the role means much assessment must be completed to determine where to begin adding value to the current practices. Then, there has to be a strategy and a strategic plan developed, as well as more tactical efforts. However, those are the primary steps to setting and achieving the goals identified by the Campus, Campus Leadership, and the Diversity Officer.

Q: What drew you to Rockford University? 

A: I was drawn to RU because the role provides an opportunity to continue contributing to Student Success through the lens of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Furthermore, it is a small institution with the goal of student success, and to attain it, RU must be an inclusive environment. To attain that goal, it is necessary to have a diverse and inclusive culture, and its campus community feels they belong. The city of Rockford is moving in a direction that embraces Diversity and Belonging utilizing organizations like Eliminate Racism 815 and the Belonging Taskforce. In addition, I am a native of Beloit, WI, and RU is also close to home.

Q:What drew you to this specific role? 

A: Malcolm X stated, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” This powerful quote guides my efforts to lead campus diversity and inclusion efforts. I am a lifelong learner who has found purpose in sharing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion spaces with additional educators.

Therefore, when the opportunity presented to RU as the Associate Vice President for Student Life and Diversity Officer, I decided to take the challenge because the role addresses two areas I value. Student Success and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are intrinsic to my purpose and passion. My role here at RU allows me to continue to impact the areas that are important to me.

Q: What makes Rockford University so special?

A: RU is a special place because of its size and the campus community. The students, staff, and faculty contribute to the knowledge and growth of the campus and local community. It is a small community designed to significantly impact the production of knowledge and positive members of society.  

Q:What impact do you hope you make in this role?

A: I plan to assist RU in becoming Rockford’s four-year institution of choice by developing a campus community where all members will feel they belong. Further, I want to increase the value placed on diverse experiences, ensure equitable practices, and pursue inclusivity for all while fostering an environment of belonging. These goals will be accomplished by assessing current practices, modeling best practices, and having an open mind regarding cultural differences and lifestyle choices; lastly, implementing a plan that lends itself to the growth mindset and the growth of students, faculty, and staff.

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This article is part of the 2023-2024 issue of Catalyst. 

By Deepshikha Shukla, Ph.D. 

The rapid acceleration of technological advancements in the modern era fueled by internet-based technologies and unprecedented growth in semiconductor chip design has exposed a skills gap in today’s workforce.

Forbes magazine reports: “According to a McKinsey report, lack of career development and advancement is the top reason for leaving a job. Eighty-seven percent of organizations ‘know they have a skills gap or will have one within the next few years.’ However, in a study by PWC, only 40% of employees say their company is upskilling, and only 26% said their employer is automating or enhancing work through technology.”

The skills gap refers to the disparity between the skills employers need and job seekers’ skills. This can occur due to technological advancements, changes in industry requirements, and inadequacies in the education system to equip individuals with relevant skills, among other reasons. The higher education industry, which has traditionally prepared future job-seekers, is massive and therefore has substantial inertia that hinders agility.

This paved the way for companies like Google, IBM, Salesforce, etc. who developed in-house industry certifications to meet their needs through competency-based education – learning that focuses on demonstrating specific skills or competencies rather than the time spent in a classroom. Large companies such as these had the means and they adapted. However, the bulk of the small- and medium-sized businesses that make up a significant part of the United States (or global) economy and drive prosperity at the local and state level do not have the same means, resources, and access.

Suppose you add to that the challenge of digital transformation necessitated by generative AI and Cybersecurity considerations. In that case, there continues to be a substantial demand for re-envisioning the current workforce development needs.  Gradual changes to adapt are not enough to catch up. In a report called “How Skills Are Disrupting Work: The Transformational Power of Fast Growing, In-Demand Skills,” the Burning Glass Institute argues the need to differentiate between these disruptive skills. For example, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning-based skills have had a growth rate of over 370% over the five years preceding the report. This is the most aggressively growing skills sector.

Rockford University (RU) recently launched the College of Professional and Extended Learning (CPEL) to provide programming to address and bridge the skills gap in the greater Rockford area by consolidating and/or enhancing existing programming. Annual Business Summits and networking opportunities intend to create a continued conversation between various stakeholders in the area. Competency-based education through credentialing, courses, workshops, and boot camps scaffold the traditional curriculum and offer options to current and future employees individually or through employers.

Companies can access custom programming to meet their specific needs. Focused partnerships with industries, K-12, and post-secondary organizations will shape pathways toward a common goal of economic prosperity in the region. Re-envisioned career preparation for RU students and alumni leveraging connections to local businesses promises to streamline the pipeline for a future workforce. We are Rockford’s University and we are excited about the future and invested in the growth of our region.

References:

• LinkedIn
• How Skills Are Disrupting Work

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