GUEST COLUMNIST - RU Evolving

“You’re on mute.” “The Great Resignation.” “Telemedicine.” “Where’s my package?”

PATRICIA A. LYNOTT PH.D. interim president, Rockford University

Sound familiar? Absolutely! Did you hear these phrases before the outbreak of a global pandemic in March 2020? Absolutely not!

If you are like me, it’s sometimes difficult to keep up. “Should we meet in person or by ZOOM?” “Can I work at home or am I required to be in the office?” “Is it ok to make every day a casual Friday?” Things have changed.

I want to let you know that things are changing at RU, Rockford’s only local four-year university. While our institution rests on 176 years of tradition and a foundation in the liberal arts, we are not resting on our laurels.

We Are Evolving

Recently, we added five new majors: cybersecurity, data analytics, digital marketing, healthcare administration, and supply chain management. These majors respond to the critical needs of our world today. These majors are offered on our park-like campus, with small class sizes, and one-on-one attention from our faculty and staff.

We Are Affordable

We recently unveiled our Horizon Grant. In partnership with federal and state funding, we offer eligible students the opportunity to pursue a four-year education for a tuition cost of $5,000 per year. If you do not qualify for this grant, we have others including the Rockford Promise Scholarship and financial aid gifts totaling $11 million each year.

We Are Local

We know many families NOW prefer their children remain closer to home. Our students have the luxury of living at home and keeping a job while they study at RU. The ability to complete a college degree in four years without paying for room and board means less college debt, which is something we all can appreciate.

Yes, we are evolving. But we need you – our local business leaders to tell us how we can evolve to meet your needs. I cordially invite you to join us at our inaugural business summit on Thursday, June 29 from 8:00 – 11:30 a.m. Together, with our partners, the Rockford Chamber of Commerce and the Rockford Area Economic Development Council, we will hear from local industry leaders about the evolving needs for a vibrant workforce in our area. There will be time for Q&A and breakouts so you can network with other folks in your field.

It is my distinct pleasure to be at the helm of Rockford University at this time. In 1847 Rockford Female Seminary was founded on the banks of the Rock River in downtown Rockford.

Our name was changed to Rockford College in 1881. We welcomed men to the college in 1959 and moved to our current East State Street location in the early 1960s. Ten years ago we became Rockford University to better reflect the comprehensive educational opportunities we offer. We have degree completion programs, master’s programs, and online study to accommodate busy lifestyles.

What we don’t have is you. I echo my invitation above – attend our inaugural business summit on June 29. For information and to confirm your attendance contact Arowe@rockford.edu. Won’t you join us and be part of our evolution?

The views expressed here are those of Patricia A. Lynott and do not necessarily represent those of the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.