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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.
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’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!
A Professor’s Influence: An Update on the Slavens Ware Scholarship Endowment
03/28/2025 12:47 pm
The Office of Advancement and Alumni is thrilled to announce that the Slavens Ware Scholarship Endowment has reached its funding goal and is now officially an endowed scholarship here at RU! The first awards will be given out in the 2026-2027 academic year. Below, learn more about the Slavens Ware Scholarship Endowment, and the impact both Professor Slavens and Professor Ware had and continue to have on their students.
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I didn’t think they did anything like that until after you died,” said Dr. Marjorie Slavens, former professor at Rockford University, when asked how she feels about having an endowed scholarship made in her name. Her former students, now friends, who sat next to her, laughed at this response.
Dr. Slavens, and former Professor Sally Lo Ware, are both being honored with an endowed scholarship put together by many of their former students. Alumni Dave & Paula Hougan ‘72, along with alumna Mary Parisoe ‘75, came together at the Rockford University Reunion in September 2024 with Dr. Slavens to talk about why and how they decided to put together this scholarship to honor their two professors.
“This is an absolute way for us to pay tribute to these two professors that were so meaningful in terms of our careers, and to all our experiences at Rockford College,” Dave Hougan said. “It’s unfortunate we didn’t do this earlier when Ms. Ware was around. (Ware passed in 1990). But we now can do this, and we probably weren’t in the place to do it at that time.”
Dave and Paula Hougan, who first met at Rockford College and later married, both studied language in school. Paula was a French and Spanish major, while Dave studied Spanish. Parisoe was a French major.
Ware taught at Rockford College from 1960 until her passing in 1990. She was the first faculty member hired by then-President Dr. John Howard. During Ware’s tenure, she was the chair of the French department and the director of the Language Lab.
When Ware passed suddenly in 1990, it was Parisoe who took her place after Dr. Slavens called her and asked.
Dr. Slavens worked at Rockford College from 1965 to 1998. During her 33 years, she was chair of the Spanish department, chair of the Languages department, and chair of the Language and Literature division.
Parisoe said it was Slavens’ and Ware’s teaching that gave her the career she did not have.
“People say, ‘Oh, the computers do that,’” Parisoe said. “But they don’t know. You would need a meeting of the minds, not a meeting of machines. I think it’s important (the study of language) and it also teaches you about your language in learning a second language.”
Alumna Paula Hougan agrees.
“I’m from a small town in Illinois, and when I checked recently on the demographics of my school district, it continues to be a hundred percent white,” Paula Hougan said.
Through her experience at Rockford College, and her time with Professor Slavens and Ware, Hougan had the opportunity to travel to different countries, and not just as a tourist. Through this endowment fund, she hopes to highlight the importance of people connecting through language.
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This story was originally published in the 2023-2024 Annual Report under Sara Myers-Hogshead’s byline.
Rockford University Welcomes Katherine Trotter as Vice President for Advancement
Rockford University is pleased to announce that Katherine Trotter has joined the University’s leadership team as the new Vice President for Advancement. A proud alumna of Rockford University (then Rockford College), Class of 2011, Katherine brings with her more than 15 years of experience in education, partnership-building, and leadership development.
Throughout her career, Katherine has been committed to shaping and enhancing learning experiences, with a strong background in curriculum development and student-centered growth. Her passion for education and community is matched by her dedication to fostering meaningful relationships—values that align deeply with Rockford University’s mission.
As Vice President for Advancement, Katherine will lead efforts to engage alumni, secure philanthropic support, and strengthen the University’s role within the broader Rockford region. Her collaborative leadership style, combined with a deep understanding of what makes communities thrive, will be instrumental in furthering Rockford University’s impact and reach.
Katherine is a passionate advocate for both her alma mater and the Rockford community. She believes in the transformative power of education and is committed to using her role to build lasting partnerships, support student success, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the institution.
Outside of her professional work, Katherine enjoys life with her husband, Jake, and their young daughter, Judy. Their strong family dynamic reflects the same values of connection and care that Katherine brings to her work every day.
Please join us in welcoming Katherine back to Rockford University. We are excited to have her leadership, energy, and vision guiding our advancement efforts into the future.
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
10/04/2023 4:25 pm
First observed in October 1981, the national “Day of Unity” set a goal of raising awareness for victims and survivors of domestic violence. Since then, it has grown into an entire month (October) dedicated to bringing attention to this critical issue. In 1989, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) began with education and support from friends, family, and organizations.
Rockford University is proud to recognize and support DVAM and the Domestic Violence National Day of Unity, which will be observed this year on October 19th. Throughout October, the Rockford University Department of Public Safety, with the help of volunteer RU students, will be sponsoring events to bring attention to Domestic Violence. Events include ribbon awareness, bracelet awareness, and speaking with domestic violence professionals, among other events.
Because Thursday, October 19th, falls during Fall Break, we will commemorate Domestic Violence Day of Unity on Thursday, October 26th. We ask that all campus community members show support by wearing purple.
Graduate Assistant, Men’s Soccer
03/16/2023 1:12 pm
Rockford University is accepting applications for the position of Graduate Assistant for Men’s Soccer to begin August 1, 2023. The selected candidate will receive up to 21 hours of tuition remission per academic year, room and board and a monthly stipend. Requirements include working a minimum of 30 hours per week over 12 months.
SUMMARY:
1. To foster, mold, guide, lead, and direct student-athletes towards a quality educational experience in order to obtain the ultimate goal of a degree.
2. To develop a successful collegiate women’s soccer program and individual coaching philosophy through recruiting, off-season programs, practice planning, and in-season execution.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
• Recruiting phone calls, off-campus visits, setting up on-campus visits.
• High School visits, both in and out of state.
• Setting up and executing practices.
• Game and practice coaching.
• Individual student-athlete meetings.
• Weekly study table sessions.
• Set up individual tutoring and learning sessions through the usage of Rockford University programs.
• Classroom attendance and grade checks.
• Strength and conditioning supervision.
• Film breakdown of both practice and game film.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
- • Bachelors Degree.
• Acceptance into the graduate program
• Successful playing experience preferably at the collegiate level.
• Position specific knowledge of the game
• A valid driver’s license and personal auto insurance - Insurable for driving per University policy
- • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Must be willing to take initiative and work hard
• Working knowledge of Strength and Conditioning
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and list of three professional references to Human Resources@rockford.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and be accepted until the position is filled.
EOE
An Oscar Wilde Classic Comes to Maddox Theatre this Month
02/18/2023 1:00 pm
by Sara Myers-Hogshead, Digital Media & Communications Specialist
The Rockford University Performing Arts department will kick of its season Feb. 23 with “The Importance of Being Earnest” — an Oscar Wilde classic directed by RU’s Deborah Mogford.
The production will start at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, in the Maddox Theatre at the Clark Arts Center, 5050 E. State St., Rockford. There will be additional showings at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26 at the Maddox Theatre. Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone at (815) 226-4100 or through email: boxoffice@rockford.edu.
Oscar Wilde was an Irish author, poet and playwright. His play, “The Importance of Being Earnest” was released in 1895 and is his most popular comedy that is still being performed.
“It is a classic of 1895,” Mogford said. “It continues to be going around the world even today. We chose it because it’s a comedy of manners and it’s a good thing for students to have that particular genre.”
The main cast includes: Josh Ponsones, Andrew Ashley, Jake Rogers, Jessica Rathbun, Emmarie Wilson, and Kade De Angioletti.
Many of the actors traveled far from home to attend RU’s Performing Arts program. Ponsones is from San Diego, California; Wilson is from Fort Worth, Texas; De Angioletti from Leesburg, Virginia; and both Rogers and Rathbun are from Aurora, Colorado.
The actors, most who are seniors this year, said they’ve had fun learning the material, as well as getting to know each other.
For both Wilson and Ashley, performing with a smaller cast has been very impactful. They’re bonding and have a greater appreciation for the characters’ individual stories.
For Rathbun, the smaller cast allows everyone more room since they take up the space with their “characterizations and presence.”
Wilde’s writing is still relevant today, De Angioletti said.
“That humor still transcends and people still find the jokes funny,” De Angioletti said, adding that the cast laughed during the read through.
Rathbun, who plays Miss Prism, has enjoyed the balancing act of doing a small show but also looks forward to their next production of Urinetown, a larger musical production.
Diving into Character
For Ponsones, one thing he said he took away from his character, and the production in general, was to not let so much of his own personality into the character.
“As somebody who is very into large gestures and always uses their hands a lot,” Ponsones said, “I have to keep my hands completely in place, all the time. I’ve learned you don’t need to use your hands so much when you talk.”
Roger plays John and has learned to tap into the duality of his character. He said he’s learned to let his guard down, while still keeping his composure.
“That has been a balance I haven’t really seen before,” he said.
The cast is ultimately looking forward to bringing their characters to life in front of a live audience.
“I’m sure since we’re having so much fun, it’ll be fun for the audience too,” Ashley said.
- John Worthing, J.P: Jake Rogers
- Algernon Moncrieff: Andrew Ashley
- Canon Chasuble, D. D.: Josh Ponsones
- Lady Bracknall: Kayleigh Ferguson
- Miss Prism: Jessica Rathbun
- Gwendolen Fairfax: Emmarie Wilson
- Cecily Cardew: Kade De Angioletti
- Lane: Zach Furmanek
- Merriman: Robert Strader
CREW:
- Director: Deborah Mogford
- Stage Manager: Kaitlyn Tesdroff
- Assistant Stage Managers: Analiese Garcia, Caitlin Dennis
- Costume Shop Manager: Karly Osborne
- Assistant Technical Director: Andrew Harth
- Master Electrician: Kaitlyn Tesdroff
- Aster Electrician: Lindsay Johnson
- Scene Painter: Karah Nelson
- Sound Design/Sound Operator: Isaac Urbik
- Projection Operator: Sara Goodger
- Properties Master: Zachary Furmanek
- Assistant Properties: Adara Barrera Medina
- Wardrobe: Aubry Musfelt
- House Crew Chief/House Manager: Miami Roby
- House Crew: Sara Goodger, Karah Nelson
- Box Office Manager/ Program: Margaret McGraw
- Box Office Staff: Nakeyia Hunter, Yulissa Mancillas, Guadalupe Moreno
- Costume Shop: Keira Alejandro, Aiden Foreman, Emmarie Wilson
- Scene Shop: Adara Barrera Medina, Caitlin Dennis, Zachary Furmanek, Analiese Garcia, Sara Goodger, Lindsay Johnson, Karah Nelson, Kaitlyn Tesdorff, Isaac Urbik
- Scenic & Lighting Designer: Donald Fox
- Costume Designer: Jeff Hendry
- Technical Director: Beth Drog
- Archive Photographer: Ted Johnson
Rockford University President to Step Down in December 2022
06/08/2022 11:20 am
Fulcomer will leave Rockford University stronger and ready for its next chapter
ROCKFORD, Ill. (June 8, 2022) – Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year educational institution, has announced the resignation of its president, Dr. Eric Fulcomer, who has accepted a position as the president of the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (WAICU) in Madison, WI. He will remain at the university through mid-December 2022 to provide the Board of Trustees time to ensure a smooth transition.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the Rockford University students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and community,” shared Fulcomer. “While I look forward to this new chapter, I will miss the people and organizations with whom I have had the pleasure to work and will continue to count as friends and colleagues.”
During his more than nine years at the institution, Fulcomer helped Rockford University solidify its financial footing, enhance its community presence and partnerships, realize consistently strong enrollment, and navigate the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are just a few of the university’s accomplishments under his leadership:
- As the Vice President of Enrollment Management and then as President, Fulcomer put Rockford University on a course for consistent, sometimes record-breaking enrollment in undergraduate, graduate, and degree-completion programs.
- Early in his tenure as President, Fulcomer led a strategic planning initiative to align all stakeholders in identifying and achieving priorities for the university’s success. The plan became the roadmap for vitally important and successful initiatives.
- In 2018, Rockford University’s capital campaign concluded having raised $18.4M, which was more than $1M above the initial goal.
- The success of the capital campaign facilitated a multi-million dollar investment into campus improvements including an addition to Seaver Gymnasium, which houses a new fitness center and renovated classrooms for a growing kinesiology program; renovations to the Starr Science Building; upgrades to the residence halls; and significant improvements in campus infrastructure, technology, and the student experience.
- Fulcomer helped create an improved governance model for the Board of Trustees that is being utilized effectively still today.
- Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Fulcomer supported students, faculty, and staff to manage campus safety and transition learning so students had the flexibility to continue coursework without interruption.
- The Office of Student Life implemented a robust Student Leadership Program with more than 50 student leadership positions at the university.
- Working with regional higher education partners, Rockford University implemented new agreements with area community colleges that enhanced transfer of applied credits for degree completion programs.
Perhaps most importantly, the Board of Trustees credits Fulcomer with creating a culture of strategic planning, sound governance, and a high-functioning executive leadership team. While his specific achievements are numerous, they felt this will be his legacy for years to come.
“A true measure of leadership is the success of an organization once you are no longer in that role,” said Joel Moore, president of Rockford University Board of Trustees. “Eric’s contributions have strengthened internal and external relationships and provided a stable and successful foundation upon which the university will continue to grow. He will be missed, and we wish him continued success in his next endeavor.”
During the next six months, Fulcomer will continue in his role and assist the Board of Trustees in preparing for and transitioning to his successor. A full search is slated to begin this summer.
As the incoming president of WAICU, Fulcomer will oversee the official organization of the 23 independent (or private) nonprofit institutions of higher learning in Wisconsin. Membership is limited to accredited, nonprofit institutions headquartered in Wisconsin. WAICU members collectively enroll 53,000 students and offer over 470 academic programs and produce 23 percent of all the bachelor’s degrees and 35 percent of all the advanced degrees awarded in the state.
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 for a B.S. in Management Studies. Through its Graduate Studies department, 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 is a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,250 full-and part-time students.
