Rockford University Robert L. Head has announced plans to retire when his contract expires at the end of June 2016.

Dr. Head joined the University in June 2008 and serves as the institution’s 17th president. The announcement comes at this time to provide ample notice to the Board of Trustees and to allow for a well-planned succession process to begin.

“It is a great privilege to serve as the President of Rockford University. As I have often said, I cannot imagine a more meaningful life’s work,” Dr. Head said in a statement shared with the campus community last week. “There is still much to be accomplished over the next 16 months. The opportunities before us are abundant and we will leverage the positive momentum we have earned.”

Head drew praise from university officials for his efforts.

“Rockford University has experienced tremendous and transformative success under Dr. Head’s leadership,” Board of Trustees Chair Thomas A. Muldowney said. “Along with the monumental transition from Rockford College to Rockford University in 2013, the numbers alone speak volumes; total net assets are at their highest levels since 1990, our endowment has enjoyed steady growth, we have concluded eight consecutive years with positive operating income, enrollments are at 20-year highs.

“(And) in a few short weeks, we are preparing to unveil the results of $5 million in renovations to the Burpee and Seaver centers, part
of $13 million in total capital improvements. Moreover, these are just a few remarkable examples of what has been achieved during Dr. Head’s tenure.

His commitment to improving every facet of our students’ experience has resulted in an irrefutable legacy of progress for this proud institution and its mission.”

The process of initiating a national search for the 18th president of Rockford University will be forthcoming. Dr. Head has agreed to serve on a part-time basis as special counsel to support the University’s significant on-going fundraising efforts.

In June 2016, Dr. Head will have served 15 years as president of a liberal arts university, the last eight with Rockford University. He was previously president of Ohio’s Urbana University.

Dr. Head is on the boards of SwedishAmerican Health System, Keith Country Day School, the Golden Apple Foundation, the Rockford Rotary Club, Alignment Rockford, Blackhawk Area Council Boy Scouts of America, The Rockford Chamber of Commerce, Kobe College Corporation, the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities, and the Associated Colleges of Illinois.

He also serves as Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 9 and is a member of the Steering Committee for Transform Rockford. Dr. Head and his wife, Sheryl, have three adult children.