About University of the Rockies

Mission Statement

University of the Rockies provides high-quality, accessible learning opportunities globally for diverse groups of individuals seeking preparation for life goals, professional practice, service, and distinguished leadership.

Core Values

The University's Core Values are Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Diversity. Administrators, staff, faculty members, Board Members, and students must strive to embody these Core Values in all their activities and dealings with individuals both inside and outside the Rockies community.

Integrity means University of the Rockies will model, both in attitude and in behavior, a strong sense of "doing the right thing for the right reason."

Service means University of the Rockies will work to meet the learning demands of the individual student through a quality program and a supportive learning environment.

Excellence means University of the Rockies will deliver its programs in such a manner as to ensure academic rigor and relevance.

Diversity means University of the Rockies encourages students of all cultures and experiences to seek higher learning opportunities and learn from one another.

History of University of the Rockies

University of the Rockies was founded June 18, 1998 as the Colorado School of Professional Psychology (COSPP). In 2007, Bridgepoint Education Inc. purchased COSPP, and the name was changed to University of the Rockies. The University is a leader in graduate education offering Master's and Doctorate degree programs in the social and behavioral sciences. University of the Rockies consists of the School of Professional Psychology and the School of Organizational Leadership.

The School of Professional Psychology provides ethical, scholarly, and personalized education that prepares individuals for practice in the applications of psychology. On campus, the School of Professional Psychology offers the Master of Arts in Psychology with different specialization options, as well as a Doctor of Psychology, Sport and Performance Psychology specialization, and the Doctor of Psychology, Clinical specialization. Online, the School of Professional Psychology offers three specializations at the Master's level as well as the Doctor of Psychology, Sport and Performance Psychology specialization.

The School of Organizational Leadership provides high quality, accessible degree programs that develop the expertise and competence required for individuals to lead contemporary organizations. On campus and online, the School of Organizational Leadership offers both the Master of Arts in Psychology and the Doctor of Psychology with multiple specialization options. In 2011, the School of Organizational Leadership introduced three new degree programs both on-campus and online: the Master of Arts in Human Services, the Master of Arts in Organizational Development and Leadership, and the Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Development and Leadership.

Accreditation

Higher Learning Commission Mark of Affiliation

University of the Rockies is a private, independent graduate school of the social and behavioral sciences.

University of the Rockies is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. Accreditation by the Commission provides assurance to prospective students that University of the Rockies has been found to meet the Commission's stated requirements and criteria. For additional information about University of the Rockies accreditation, please contact:

The Higher Learning Commission,
North Central Association
www.ncahlc.org

University of the Rockies has also been granted Category I status as a degree granting institution by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE).

University of the Rockies is an associate member of the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology.

University of the Rockies is approved by the Department of Education to offer Title IV student loans and is approved to train veterans and their eligible dependents, as well as Chapter 31 Veterans.

University of the Rockies is an approved Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOC) institution. This approval affirms University of the Rockies's commitment to fair, equitable, and effective policies and practices that recognize and deal with the special conditions faced by military students who want to obtain a college education. As a SOC Consortium member, University of the Rockies awards academic transfer credit for graduate level military training and job experience, as evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE) and according to University transfer credit policies.

Administration

Charlita Shelton, PhD:
President
Tina J. Parscal, PhD:
Provost
Robert Edelbrock, EdD:
Vice President/Campus Director
Linda Hiemer, JD:
Vice President of Academic Affairs Online
J. Stephen Kirkpatrick, PhD:
Dean of the School of Organizational Leadership/Vice President of Publishing
David Stephens, PsyD:
Dean of the School of Professional Psychology
Erik Gaskill, MBA:
University Registrar
Serene Pritchett, EdD:
Director of Student Services
Adam Forrest, BA:
Director of Online Admissions
Carolyn Schneider, MA:
Campus Enrollment Services Director
Jami Fleming, MBA:
Director of Financial Aid
Stephanie Stewart, MEd:
Associate Director of Financial Services

Board of Trustees

  • Donald M. Bird, PhD (Chair). Don Bird was a member of the Colorado School of Professional Psychology's (CSOPP) Board of Directors from 2001 and has Chaired the Board since December 2002. Bridgepoint Education, Inc. acquired CSOPP in September 2007 and renamed it University of the Rockies. Dr. Bird's PhD in Chemistry is from the University of Colorado, and for many years he has served as a chemistry professor at the US Air Force Academy. A retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, Dr. Bird is also Chair of the Board of the Air Force Academy Federal Credit Union, and he is active in many civic and social organizations in the Pikes Peak Region. Among his notable accomplishments, Dr. Bird is a long time Consultant-Evaluator for The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
  • Charlita Shelton, PhD (President). Dr. Charlita Shelton's professional experience spans 20 years in higher education. She spent a number of years at one of the largest private universities in the country serving in such roles as Director of Academic Affairs, Regional Director of Academic Affairs, Associate Vice President for Campus Academic Affairs, and Organizational Diversity Officer. Throughout Dr. Shelton's career, she has received many accolades. In 2007, she was selected by the Arizona Society of Human Resource Management as “Diversity Champion” for the state of Arizona. In 2010, Dr. Shelton received national recognition as Diversity Champion of the Year, an award that was sponsored by Diversity Business.Com. In addition, Profiles in Diversity Journal has named Dr. Shelton as a WomenWorthWatching®. Dr. Shelton holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from Western Michigan University, a Master's degree in Educational Administration from National University, and both a Master's degree and a Doctorate in Philosophy in Human Development from Fielding Graduate University.
  • Jeff Jensen, BA (Member). Jeff Jensen is the Owner and Broker of a three-office Residential Real Estate firm with over 120 agents. Jensen also owns and operates three mortgage companies and a title business in Tacoma, Washington. Jensen works directly with his managers, agents, and loan officers as a mentor and leader with almost 20 years experience in the industry. Prior to Real Estate, Mr. Jensen worked for a regional office-interiors firm specializing in space planning, interior design, sales of systems, case goods, and high-end custom-built furniture. A native of Tacoma-Pierce County, Washington, Mr. Jensen graduated from the University of Puget Sound with a Bachelor of Arts in English, with a Business Minor.
  • Deborah Blue, PhD (Member). Dr. Deborah Blue joined the Board in January 2009. Dr. Blue's career in K-12 and higher education spans over 30 years. She has served in educational administrative roles in a number of community college districts in the Northern California region. In addition, Dr. Blue was the Vice President of Policy and Research for the Accrediting Commission for Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Currently, Dr. Blue serves as Chancellor for State Center Community College District (SCCCD). She has presented in the area of community college accreditation and is also a published author in higher education. Dr. Blue holds a Bachelor's degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Western Michigan University, and a Master's and PhD in Speech and Hearing Sciences.
  • Eric Lee, PhD (Member). Dr. Eric Lee joined the Board in March 2011. Dr. Lee has been President and CEO of the Colorado Black Chamber of Commerce since April 2009. Prior to joining the Chamber, Lee served as the Assistant to the President at Suffolk University, where he was a member of the President's Executive Cabinet. Lee worked with the President and Provost on matters related to institutional research, information technology, strategic planning, and institutional diversity. He also taught in the Sawyer Business School and the College of Arts & Sciences. Dr. Lee earned his Bachelor of Science and Master's degree from Wayne State College (NE), and PhD from the University of Nebraska.
  • Gina Hernez-Broome, PhD (Member). Dr. Hernez-Broome is a core faculty member for the Organizational Leadership Program at University of the Rockies. Prior to joining the University, Gina spent 12 years at the Center for Creative Leadership where she was Program Manager for the Design and Delivery Faculty team designing and delivering leadership development and coaching programs and was lead researcher for the Center's coaching research and evaluation efforts. She earned both her Doctoral and Master's degrees in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Colorado State University, and her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado.

Location

University of the Rockies is located at 555 East Pikes Peak Avenue in Colorado Springs with vast, rolling plains to the east and Pikes Peak towering at over 14,000 feet to the west. Magnificent red sandstone pinnacles at the base of the mountain have been dubbed appropriately, "Garden of the Gods."

The city itself — the second largest in Colorado — boasts something for everyone, from the arts buff to the nature lover. Gorgeous views of the Continental Divide can be seen from the Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway. The city is also home to the US Air Force Academy and the US Olympic Training Center.

Map / Directions to Campus

Map of Unviversity of the Rockies
555 East Pikes Peak Ave
Colorado Springs, CO 80903-3612

From I-25 (North or South):

  1. Exit Bijou St and turn east (away from the mountains)
  2. Turn right onto Wahsatch Ave (about 1/2 mile)
  3. Turn left onto East Pikes Peak Ave (about 1/2 mile)
  4. East Pikes Peak Ave will curve right after one block and connect with Colorado Ave at a traffic signal
  5. Proceed straight across the intersection and you will be at the University

University of the Rockies Press

University of the Rockies (UoR) Press (formerly the Colorado School of Professional Psychology Press) is a publishing activity of the University. Learn more about the books offered by UoR Press.