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), to provide a professional graduate education in psychology to individuals who seek licensure as psychologists or practice in other arenas of the profession.

When COSPP was purchased by Bridgepoint Education in September, 2007, the name was changed to University of the Rockies. The School of Professional Psychology is now a School of University of the Rockies along with the School of Organizational Leadership.

University of the Rockies offers both on-campus and online graduate degree programs in the Master of Arts in Psychology and the Doctor of Psychology. The campus program's Master of Arts in Psychology degree has the following specialization options: Business Psychology, Criminology and Justice Studies, Evaluation, Research & Measurement, Executive Coaching, General Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Mediation and Conflict Resolution, Mental Health Administration, Organizational Leadership, and Professional Counselor. Also on campus, the Doctor of Psychology program allows specialization in Clinical Psychology, for students interested in becoming a licensed clinical psychologist in the State of Colorado or elsewhere, and Business Psychology, Criminology and Justice Studies, Evaluation, Research & Measurement, Executive Coaching, Mediation and Conflict Resolution, Mental Health Administration, Non-Profit Management, or Organizational Leadership for those who wish to pursue a career in the field of consulting in business organizations.

The online program's Master of Arts in Psychology degree has the following specialization options: Business Psychology, Criminology and Justice Studies, Evaluation, Research & Measurement, Executive Coaching, General Psychology, Mediation and Conflict Resolution, Mental Health Administration, Non-Profit Management, and Organizational Leadership while the online Doctor of Psychology degree offers the following specialization options: Business Psychology, Criminology and Justice Studies, Evaluation, Research & Measurement, Executive Coaching, Mediation and Conflict Resolution, Mental Health Administration, Non-Profit Management, or Organizational Leadership.

Accreditation

Higher Learning Commission Mark of Affiliation

University of the Rockies is a private, independent Graduate School offering the Master of Arts in Psychology (MA) and the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degrees.

University of the Rockies is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association (NCA). For additional information about UoR's accreditation, please contact:

The Higher Learning Commission,
North Central Association
30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
Chicago, IL 60602.
www.higherlearningcommission.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 by the Department of Veterans Affairs for VA benefits. It has also been approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as a training facility for Chapter 31 Veterans.

Administration

Charlita Shelton, PhD:
President
Robert Edelbrock, EdD:
Vice President/Campus Director
Barbara Fly Dierks, PhD:
Vice President of Academic Affairs
Tina J. Parscal, PhD:
Provost
Amy Kahn, PhD:
Director of Diversity
Janet H. Brugger, MS:
Director of Student Affairs
Judith L. Steed, MS:
Director of Assessment
Trina Purcell, MS:
Library Director
Adam Forrest:
Director of Online Admissions
Katina Jordan:
Associate University Registrar
Angela Furney:
Academic Advising Specialist
Jean Jones:
Academic Programs Coordinator
Barbara Henry-Quinn, MA:
Director of Human Resources
Jami Fleming, MBA:
Director of Financial Aid
David C. Solly, EdD:
Dean of the School of Professional Psychology
J. Stephen Kirkpatrick, PhD:
Dean of the School of Organizational Leadership
Carolyn Schneider, MA:
Campus Enrollment Services Manager
Melissa Blevins, MBA:
Campus PR/Marketing Specialist
Xavier Lambarri:
IT Support; Engineer

Board of Trustees

  • Donald M. Bird, PhD (Chair). Don Bird was a member of the Colorado School of Professional Psychology’s (CSOPPP) 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. Shelton’s professional experience in higher education spans over 20 years. She spent 12 years at the University of Phoenix in the capacity of Director of Academic Affairs, Regional Director of Academic Affairs, Associate Vice President for Campus Academic Affairs, and, lastly, as Apollo Group’s Organizational Diversity Officer. In September of 2007, Dr. Shelton was selected by the Arizona Society of Human Resource Management as “Diversity Champion” for the state of Arizona. In addition, she served as a steering committee member for the Diversity Leadership Alliance and sat on the Board for the Phoenix Shanti Group. Dr. Shelton holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Western Michigan University, a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from National University, and an MA and PhD in Human Development from Fielding Graduate University.
  • Andrew Clark, MBA (Member). Andrew Clark has held management positions in for-profit post-secondary education for the past 17 years. Presently, he is Chief Executive Officer of Bridgepoint Education, Inc. Prior to his current leadership role, he held responsibilities as Chief Operating Officer of American Intercontinental University, and Regional Vice President/Campus Director with University of Phoenix. He has been recognized nationally for his expertise in corporate management, demonstrating organizational growth through carefully managed strategic planning, effective team development, creative marketing, and fiscal accountability. Mr. Clark earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Arts from Pacific Lutheran University and a MBA from the University of Phoenix. He has served on the Board of Directors of the San Diego United Services Organization and serves on the Board of the San Diego Symphony.
  • Steve Isbister, JD (Member/Secretary). Steve Isbister joined Bridgepoint Education, Inc. in July 2006. Presently, Mr. Isbister serves as Vice President of Compliance. Mr. Isbister worked in a number of managerial roles for the University of Phoenix including Director of Operations and Vice President/Director. His additional professional experience includes his work with the Legal Department of the Wayne County Corporation Counsel, and with Damm & Tauscher, PLC, both of which are in Detroit, Michigan. Mr. Isbister earned his Juris Doctorate from the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University. He earned his BA in Public Administration from Michigan State University. He served on the Board of Directors for the Leadership Donelson-Hermitage organization and was an active contributor to the Nashville Sports Council. In San Diego, California, he volunteers both time and resources to Junior Achievement, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society, and the March of Dimes.
  • Stephen R. Dierks, BS (Member). Steve Dierks is one of the founders and an original member of the Board of Directors of the Colorado School of Professional Psychology. Mr. Dierks received his BS in Biology from the University of Southern Colorado, and served as a teacher of advanced biology and algebra at Seaton High School in Pueblo, Colorado. His subsequent work experience includes medical and surgical supply sales and instructing physicians during surgery on the correct use of specialized orthopedic implants. Currently, Mr. Dierks is President of Nexus Financial Programs, Inc., of Colorado Springs, CO. He is a registered Investment Advisor, Nexus Financial Programs, Inc.; a Registered Principal, Nexus Financial, Inc.; and holds National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) Series 6, 7, 22, 24, and 63 licenses.
  • Dick W. Gee, EdD (Member). Dr. Dick Gee, a member of the Core Faculty for University of the Rockies, was a founder and original Board member of the Colorado School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Gee is a respected, long-time licensed clinical psychologist and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist of the Pikes Peak Region. Dr. Gee’s education and professional background include a BA, MS, MSEd, and EdS from the University of Wisconsin and an EdD from the University of Northern Colorado. He is a Clinical Member and Approved Supervisor of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy; Past President, Colorado Association for Marriage and Family Therapy; and has a successful Private Practice in Colorado Springs. Dr. Gee, who has served as a professor for over 20 years, has been honored on many occasions by being selected as the outstanding faculty member by the Graduate Student Association.
  • Jeff Jensen, BA (Member). Jeff Jensen is a residential and investment specialist with Windermere Professional Partners in Tacoma, Washington. Prior to Windermere, Mr. Jensen was the manager of a regional office interiors firm specializing in space planning, interior design, and sales of systems, case goods, and high-end custom built furniture. Mr. Jensen and his branch were recognized nationally and won several awards within the industry. 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 of Contra Costa Community College District. 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.
  • Lori Trofemuk, JD (Member). Lori Trofemuk joined the board in January 2009. Ms. Trofemuk has practiced as a labor relations attorney for 20 years. Currently, she serves as Labor Relations Advocate for the Office of Labor Relations, University of California San Diego. Ms. Trofemuk has also served as a Labor Relations attorney for Zampi & Associates before serving as In House Corporate Counsel and Paralegal instructor at Kelsey-Jenney College. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Counseling and Rehabilitation Services from Florida State University and a Master’s degree in Psychology from United States International University; she also studied International Law at Cambridge University and holds a Juris Doctorate degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. Ms. Trofemuk is a member of the California Bar and Academy for Academic Personnel Administrators.

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 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 Training Center 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 Press (formerly the Colorado School of Professional Psychology Press) is a publishing activity of the University. It is committed to publishing quality books on clinical psychology, religion and spirituality, business and organizational leadership, and heath and well-being.

Listed below are the current publications under University of the Rockies Press.

  • Cox, R, Ervin-Cox, B, & Hoffman, L. (2005). Spirituality and psychological health. Colorado Springs: COSPP Press. ISBN# 097646380-6
  • Hartung, J. (2005). Reaching further: How to remove obstacles to personal excellence. Colorado Springs: COSPP Press. ISBN# 0-9764638-1-4
  • Mendelowitz, E. (2008). Ethics and Lao-Tzu: Intimations of character. Colorado Springs, CO: University of the Rockies Press.
  • Kaklauskas, F., Nimanheminda, S., Hoffman, L., & MacAndrew, S. (Eds.) (2008). Brilliant sanity: Buddhist approaches to psychotherapy. Colorado Springs, CO: University of the Rockies Press.
  • Greening, T. (2008). Words against the void: Poems by an existential psychologist. Colorado Springs, CO: University of the Rockies Press.
  • Hoffman, L., Yang, M., Kaklauskas, F., & Chan, A. (Eds.). (2009). Existential psychology East-West. Colorado Springs, CO: University of the Rockies Press.
  • Elkins, D. (2009). Humanistic psychology: A clinical manifesto. A critique of clinical psychology and the need for progressive alternatives. Colorado Springs, CO: University of the Rockies Press.
  • Heery, M. & Richardson, G. (2009) Awakening to aging: Glimpsing the gifts of aging. Colorado Springs, CO: University of the Rockies Press