Patricia Lynott will serve as interim president of Rockford University beginning Dec. 12, 2022, as the search for a full-time replacement continues. (Photo provided by Rockford University)
From news release
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Rockford University has named an interim president to lead the private four-year institution while the search for a successor to Eric Fulcomer continues.

Patricia Lynott, who most recently served as president of University College at Southern New Hampshire University, will take on the role starting Dec. 12. She will be on campus starting Nov. 14 to spend several weeks with Fulcomer before his departure so she can get to know faculty, staff and students and get acquainted with the community.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Lynott leading the University through this transition,” Rebecca Epperson, chairwoman of the university’s board of trustees, said in a news release. “We look forward to her leadership; her commitment to Rockford University’s students, staff, and faculty; and the stability she will provide as our search for the permanent leader is underway.”

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Fulcomer announced in early June that he would step down in December to take the job of president of the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Madison.

Lynott has more than 20 years of experience with nationally ranked colleges and universities, including more than a decade at the executive level.

Rockford University said she played a critical leadership role in transitioning Southern New Hampshire University from a regional business college into a national, multifaceted university.

Lynott also served many years in the classroom as an associate professor at Elmhurst College before becoming dean of Graduate and Continuing Education and eventually executive director of Elmhurst Partners.

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She earned a doctor of educational leadership and policy studies from Loyola University Chicago and a master’s degree in communication studies from Northern Illinois University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in communication from Trinity College.

“Rockford University has done an incredible job of remaining financially stable while continuing to provide the best of what makes small private institutions so important: a close-knit campus community; more one-on-one interaction with caring professors; greater curriculum flexibility, less bureaucracy, and so much more,” Lynott said in a news release. “Throughout its evolution from a women’s seminary, to a co-ed college, to a regional university, Rockford has always adapted to the changes and challenges of the times.

“I am extremely pleased to be joining the Rockford University community as it continues to evolve in meeting the needs of today’s students.”

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