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
Ernest Price, EdD:
Provost
Robert Edelbrock, EdD:
Vice President/Campus Director
Barbara Fly Dierks, PhD:
Vice President of Academic Affairs
James Ungvarsky, MPA, PsyD:
Director of Communications
Amy Kahn, PhD:
Director of Diversity
Janet H. Brugger, MS:
Director of Student Affairs
Tina J. Parscal, PhD:
Director of Academic Quality
Judith L. Steed, MS:
Director of Assessment
Trina Purcell, MS:
Library Director
Adam Forrest:
Director of Online Admissions
Jean L. Jones, MFA:
Registrar
Barbara Henry-Quinn, BS:
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
Jim Tangelder, MBA:
Finance Manager
Xavier Lambarri:
IT Support; Engineer

Board of Trustees

  • Donald M. Bird, PhD (Chair)
  • Charlita Shelton, PhD
  • Andrew Clark, MBA
  • Steve Isbister, JD
  • Stephen R. Dierks, BS
  • Dick W. Gee, EdD
  • Jeff Jenson, BA
  • Deborah Blue, PhD
  • Lori Trofemuk, JD

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.

Currently, there are two published books under UoR Press. Others are in the works.

  • 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

To order books, please complete the University of the Rockies Press Order Form.