Campus News

Rockford, Ill. (July 7, 2022) – Rockford University President Eric W. Fulcomer, Ph.D., today announced that Randal V. Childs has been hired as the Vice President for Advancement. Childs will begin his role at Rockford University on August 15.

Childs will serve as Rockford University’s chief philanthropy officer and strategist for the Advancement Division, and as chief development officer to the President, the Board of Trustees, and other University officials on all matters involving current and potential philanthropic support. He will oversee all areas of Advancement which includes Alumni Relations, Planned Giving, Major Gifts, Corporate and Foundation Gifts, Data and Gift Management, Prospect and Grant Research, and Marketing & Communications.

Previously, Childs served at North Carolina Central University for 17 years as its director of major gifts, assistant vice chancellor, and most recently its associate vice chancellor. He is well versed in developing strategic partnerships and fundraising and corporate giving programs which, during his time, averaged $7.8 million annually.

Childs also has helped ensure operational excellence within donor stewardship, team management, strategic direction, stakeholder engagement, and alumni relations and has a proven track record in delivering significant and measurable value within all roles undertaken, combining a seasoned acumen with strategic management and fundraising proficiency.

“We’re pleased to have Randal join our Rockford University leadership team,” said Fulcomer. “His depth of experience and energy for raising funds in higher education and keen understanding of the opportunities that we have before us will be instrumental in moving Rockford University into the future.”

As a member of the President’s executive council, Childs will participate in strategic planning and work collaboratively with leadership across the institution to support key academic and University priorities, initiatives, and opportunities. He also will lead a robust effort to further engage with current donors and develop effective outreach plans to connect with constituents. Additionally, he will oversee the overall image, brand, and public relations functions of Rockford University.

“I already have an affinity for Rockford University and am excited about its potential to impact the region’s educational landscape,” said Childs. “The institution is in a strong position, and I look forward to furthering its mission by focusing on alumni relations, community engagement, and constituent development to raise the University’s profile and commitment going forward.”

A native of Greenwood, South Carolina, Childs received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Science at Morehouse College and his MBA in Management/Marketing at Elon University.

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 offering a B.S. in management studies and accounting studies. Through its graduate programs, 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 as a U.S. News & World Report Best Midwest Regional University, Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,250 full-and part-time students.