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Rockford University welcomes Randy Worden as Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students

Rockford, IL (05/23/2018) — Rockford University President Eric W. Fulcomer, Ph.D., announces the appointment of Randy Worden, D.Min., as Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students. Dr. Worden is an experienced administrator with an extensive background in overseeing all areas of student life. He will have direct responsibility for the assistant dean of students, residence life, career services, Title IX, student activities and the health, wellness, and counseling center at the University.

Most recently, Dr. Worden served as vice president and dean of student life at Fresno Pacific University since 2008 and has more than 25 years of professional student development experience. He has also served at Northwest Christian University, Houston Baptist University, California Baptist University and Azusa Pacific University. During his career, Dr. Worden has spent time as a career counselor, campus pastor, director of residence life and in other senior administrative roles related to student development and leadership. He has a bachelor's degree in Christian Education from Seattle Pacific University, a master's in education in student development from Azusa Pacific University and his doctorate of ministry in leadership from George Fox University.

President Fulcomer notes, "I'm excited to welcome Dr. Worden to our campus and to the community. While formal learning takes place in the classroom, providing students with the comprehensive support they need throughout the many other areas of their college experiences is critically important to their overall success, both academically and socially. Dr. Worden is a proven and dedicated student advocate who understands the complexity of building and fostering an inclusive and vibrant student experience. He will be a valuable asset to our leadership team and most importantly to our students."

Dr. Worden adds, "Change is all around us, particularly in how colleges and universities embrace the diverse needs of our youth entering into higher education. I see students as having their best chance at success and being most likely to become their best selves when they know they are cared for, are able to realize their talents and abilities amidst a nurturing and engaging community, and when they have meaningful relationships that are both support and challenging. When we meet students, they are frequently in the midst of determining what will be most important to them and deciding how they will spend their time. Students are making decisions and creating memories that last a lifetime. As I met Rockford students, it was clear how much the school meant to them and what a transformative place it was. I couldn't help but want to be a part of what they were experiencing."

A search committee vetted more than 45 applicants received from a national search before eventually narrowing their options down to three finalists. Campus visits for all candidates were conducted in late April. Worden will be relocating from California and assume his duties at Rockford University by July 1, 2018, which is the start of the 2018-2019 academic year.

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 adult accelerated degree completion program for a B.S. in Management Studies. Through its Graduate Studies department, 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 is a U.S. News and World Report Top Tier Midwest University. Rockford University currently serves approximately 1,300 full-and part-time students.

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Rockford University welcomes Dr. Randy Worden as Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students

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