College Organizes into Six “Schools”

Rochester College’s academic programs and departments will now be organized into six schools to reflect the continued development of the college’s academic programs.

“This restructuring positions the institution better for effective oversight of and collaboration between the various academic areas,” said Dr. John Barton, provost.

The titles of the schools, their leaders and their respective programs are as follows:

School of Business and Professional Studies • Dr. Larry Muller, dean

Accounting and Business
Sports Management
Mass Communication

School of Education • Dr. Mel Blohm, dean

Teacher Education
Early Childhood Studies
Physical Education

School of Humanities • Dr. David Keller, dean

English, Communication and Foreign Language
History, Geography and Political Science
Music, Theatre and Visual Arts
Philosophy and Interdisciplinary Studies

School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences• Dr. David Brackney, dean

Psychology and Behavioral Sciences
Science and Mathematics
Pre-Med, Pre-Physician’s Assistant

School of Nursing• Jaime Sinutko, director

Pre-Licensure BSN program
RN-to-BSN

School of Theology and Ministry• Dr. Mark Love, dean

Religion and Bible
The Center for Missional Leadership
The Masters of Religious Education in Missional Leadership

The deans and directors will report directly to Barton and be responsible for the general oversight of their respective schools with regards to curricula, personnel, strategic planning and development, retention, and constituent relations.

They also will be members of a newly revised Academic Cabinet, which will be a smaller and more active group than in previous years, Barton said. The cabinet is comprised of various deans and academic leaders, is chaired by the provost, and provides oversight of institution-wide academic policy and the General Education Core.

The new organizational structure also accompany expanded responsibilities for Dr. Katrina VanderWoude, which are reflected in her new title: vice provost of academic affairs and strategic initiatives. VanderWoude’s expanded responsibilities include oversight of special initiatives such as the early college programs, off-site programs, corporate and academic partnerships, online programming and accelerated programs.

“These new structures reflect an exciting time of growth in the college’s academic development,” Barton said. “Being organized around schools also positions the college for a transition to university status, if and when that transition is desired.”