Campus News

Robert L. Head, Ph.D., will serve his last day as the University’s 17th president today, June 30, 2016. Dr. Head joined the University in June 2008. In recognition of Dr. Head’s outstanding service to the institution, the Rockford University Board of Trustees bestowed President Emeritus status upon Dr. Head during the University’s commencement ceremonies on May 15, 2016. Dr. Head announced his intention to retire in February 2015, allowing the University ample time to conduct a nation-wide search for his successor. Eric Fulcomer, Ph.D., was named as the 18th President of Rockford University and will begin his official duties on July 1, 2016.

Dr. Head shares, “It is a great privilege to serve as the President of Rockford University. As I have often said, I cannot imagine a more meaningful life’s work. My love and work for Rockford University will continue for a lifetime – well beyond this 8th and final year at the helm. Today, I know I am a part of all that I have met and Rockford University – this place, this institution, this community – is a part of me.”

Board of Trustees Chair Thomas A. Muldowney ’74 notes, “Rockford University has experienced tremendous and transformative success under Dr. Head’s leadership. Along with the monumental transition from Rockford College to Rockford University in 2013, the numbers alone speak volumes; total net assets are at their highest levels since 1990, our endowment has enjoyed steady growth, we have concluded nine consecutive years with positive operating income, enrollments are all-time highs. Moreover, these are just a few remarkable examples of what has been achieved during Dr. Head’s tenure. His commitment to improving every facet of our students’ experience has resulted in an irrefutable legacy of progress for this proud institution and its mission.”

Dr. Head has served 15 years as president of a liberal arts university, the last eight with Rockford University. He was previously president at Urbana University in Ohio. Dr. Head is on the boards of SwedishAmerican Health System, Keith Country Day School, the Golden Apple Foundation, the Rockford Rotary Club, Alignment Rockford, Blackhawk Area Council Boy Scouts of America, The Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Kobe College Corporation, the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities, and the Associated Colleges of Illinois. He also serves as Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 9 and is a member of the Steering Committee for Transform Rockford. Dr. Head and his wife, Sheryl, have three adult children.

*Photo – President Head acknowledges the audience’s standing ovation in reaction to being bestowed President Emeritus status during the May 2016 Commencement ceremonies.