Campus News

Rockford, IL (July 23, 2020) – Rockford University, the region’s leading private four-year institution, today announced its partnership with three leading regional community colleges – Highland Community College, Kishwaukee College and Rock Valley College – to provide a flexible, seamless option to transfer college credits or an associate’s degree (A.A., A.S., or A.A.S.) toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management or Accounting.

The collaboration between the institutions facilitates the easy transfer of credits from the community college to the degree completion program at the PURI School of Business at Rockford University. Community Colleges are often where students start, earning general education credits and exploring interest in a particular major.

“Rockford University has long-standing partnerships with our regional community colleges,” added Dr. Eric Fulcomer, president of Rockford University. “We believe this collaboration is good for our students and the region as it provides another path to a bachelor’s degree.”

“As part of our Strategic Plan, we’ve emphasized strengthening partnerships with other educational institutions in an effort to expand educational pathways for students,” said Chris Kuberski, President of Highland Community College. “Our programs provide a solid foundation, and we’re happy to facilitate the transfer of students’ credits to the next step in their education and career. We appreciate our partnership with Rockford University and how it intersects with our goals as an institution.”

Established partnerships make the transfer of earned college credits easy and pave the way for more students to earn bachelor’s degrees.

“Many of our students start their education at Kishwaukee College and then choose to continue their education after completing their degree with us,” Dr. Laurie Borowicz, President, Kishwaukee College. “The partnership with Rockford University provides an opportunity for students to seamlessly transfer to a bachelor’s degree program, without losing time or credits.” 

“We’re removing some of the hurdles and red tape,” shared Ron Geary, VP and Chief Academic Officer, Rock Valley College. “Collaborations with our 4-year partner institutions help us better advise and prepare students for success, and Rockford University’s willingness to accept all associate’s degrees – even those in applied science – opens up opportunities for a large percentage of our student body.”