The Board of Trustees of Roosevelt University announced it has extended the contract of University President Chuck Middleton for another five years, until June 30, 2017.
"Roosevelt has undergone a dramatic transformation since the appointment of President Middleton in 2002," said James J. Mitchell III, chairman of the Board.
"He has elevated the University's image and led strategic efforts to expand the faculty, strengthen the curriculum and improve facilities. The President's commitment to the mission of Roosevelt University and to the success of its students, faculty and staff is unwavering."
Under Middleton's leadership, Roosevelt has changed from a University that primarily served part-time adult students to a more traditional-age, full-time University. It created a sixth college, the College of Pharmacy, hired a record number of new full-time faculty members, implemented a flat-rate tuition program, resumed intercollegiate athletics for men and developed an intercollegiate athletics program for women. Roosevelt University's spectacular 32-story Wabash Building and its new Goodman Center are examples of Middleton's vision and dedication to students.
"Throughout his tenure, President Middleton always has worked collaboratively with the Board of Trustees on the University's issues, challenges and opportunities," Mitchell said. "We are fortunate to have a chief executive who has the experience and expertise to lead us forward. The Board looks forward to working with him during the next five years as the University builds on the many programs he has set in place."
Middleton's dedication to community engagement, including advocacy for inclusiveness, social justice, and LGBT rights, is evidenced by his many professional and civic commitments. He serves on the Board of Governors of the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute in Hyde Park, N.Y., the Boards of Directors of the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), the LGBT Center on Halsted (where he is Board Vice Chair), the Point Foundation Board of Governors, the Chicago Central Area Committee, the Near South Planning Board, and the Chicago History Museum Community Advisory Council. In 2011, he joined the Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE) Board of Directors, and the Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Board of Directors. He currently is Co-Chair of the LGBTQ Presidents in Higher Education.
A fellow of Great Britain's Royal Historical Society, Middleton has academic expertise in modern British history from the late 18th century to the early 19th century. He has taught more than 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students, written more than 70 scholarly papers, and authored the book The Administration of British Foreign Policy, 1782—1846. Before joining Roosevelt, President Middleton was Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University System of Maryland, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Bowling Green State University and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Colorado at Boulder.
He earned an AB degree with honors in history from Florida State University and both an MA and PhD in history from Duke University.
Roosevelt University, a national leader in educating socially conscious citizens, is a private, student-centered university with 6,800 students studying at comprehensive campuses in the Chicago Loop and northwest suburban Schaumburg and online. Founded on the principles of inclusion and social justice, Roosevelt offers academic programs in arts and sciences, business, performing arts and education. For more information, visit www.roosevelt.edu .
