Rockford University appoints new president

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Patricia Lynott is Rockford University’s 19th president, the school announced Monday.

Lynott has been serving at the interim president since December 2022 and has been teaching in higher education for 35 years. Her appointment by the Board of Trustees is effective immediately.

Effective immediately, Dr. Patricia Lynott is Rockford University's 19th president.(Rockford University)

“I am honored and excited to continue serving as President of Rockford University,” Lynott said in a news release. “I am committed to advancing the university’s mission of educating people to lead responsible lives by means of a curriculum grounded in liberal arts learning and complemented and extended by professional and practical experience, and I look forward to working with our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners to ensure that Rockford University remains a place of excellence, innovation, and opportunity for all.”

Eric Fulcomer, the previous president of the university, stepped down in 2022, taking a new job in Wisconsin.

“We are thrilled to appoint Dr. Lynott as the official President of Rockford University,” Rebecca Epperson, chair of the Rockford University Board of Trustees, said in a news release. “Throughout her tenure as Interim President, she has proven to be an outstanding leader, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. The impact she has made in just 18 months has been instrumental in moving our organization forward by identifying and launching new degrees, and programs to benefit students as well as further connecting it with our community’s business leaders for future workforce needs.”