Spring 2011 - University Of Southern Indiana

Ronald Rochon and his wife, Lynn, have a daughter, Nia, and a son, Ayinde.the program. Assistance with travelexpenses will be available from theOffice of the Provost.“This kind of experience doesn’tcome along every day,” Rochon said.“Learning more about the economy —especially a competing economy — atan international level, will allow ourstudent to come back better informedand better prepared to serve ourcommunity.”Educational policyAn interest in educational policywas the trigger that influenced Rochonto pursue a career in higher education, achange from his original career plan. Heearned a bachelor’s degree in animalscience at Tuskegee University and amaster’s degree in animal sciences withan emphasis in reproductive physiologyat the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He holds a doctorate ineducational policy studies from Universityof Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.The low high-school graduationrate across his hometown of Chicagoconcerned him. He became interestedin finding out how educational policycould assist families in exercisingchoices that yield healthy educationaloutcomes.“I wanted to know how I couldbecome a servant in this area — inparticular, with respect to students fromurban and rural communities,” he said.“Quite often young people do not seethemselves as being worthy of going tocollege. We must continue to beattentive and supportive of firstgenerationcollege attendees. I was afirst-generation college student. Peoplereached out and pushed me to succeed.”Rochon’s research and teachinginterests include topics relating toculturally responsive education andadministration. He came to USI fromBuffalo State College of the StateUniversity of New York, where he wasthe inaugural dean of the School ofEducation for five years. He has previous“People reachedout and pushedme to succeed.”experience at the University ofWisconsin-La Crosse, where he wasdirector and cofounder of the ResearchCenter for Cultural Diversity andCommunity Renewal, among otherresponsibilities. At his previous posts, hewas instrumental in developingexchange programs with universities inGhana, England, and China. He alsohas served at Texas A & M Universityand Washington State University.Greater communityRochon began to learn about theUniversity of Southern Indiana when acolleague and mentor in higher educationcircles, knowing his experience and skills,brought the search for provost to hisattention. Dr. Kay Schallenkamp, presidentof Black Hills State University, told himabout the University, its growth, and thesurrounding community. Rochon visitedcampus as a finalist for the position.“Immediately, I sensed a communityof concerned individuals,” he said, “anda sincere desire on the part of everyoneto help students succeed.”During his visit, he also felt theUniversity’s strong commitment tocommunity outreach and engagement.At the national level, Rochon hasrepresented USI as chair of the board ofthe American Association of Collegesfor Teacher Education. His one-yearterm ended in February. Hisparticipation in the professionalorganization brought him face to facewith U.S. Secretary of Education ArneDuncan and legislators who makenational education policy. It enabledhim to exchange information withscholars from other countries who areadvocates for teacher education.Settling into Evansville, theRochon family feels the welcoming armsof the community. Rochon’s wife, Lynn,holds a master’s degree in education. InBuffalo, she served at a communityhealth center as an advocate fornoninsured and underinsuredindividuals. The Rochons have a son,Ayinde, 13, and a daughter, Nia, 11.University of Southern Indiana11 March 2011