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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Feb. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- University of the Rockies, an online and on-campus graduate university specializing in social and behavioral sciences, has further established itself as a research-based institution providing students with extensive exploration and publishing opportunities.

Dr. Debora Scheffel, who has more than 30 years higher education experience, has been named the university's first dean of research. She will be responsible for the new Rockies Research Center slated to open its initial phase in March. 

In addition to serving as a faculty member and administrator, her career includes more than 25 years of research experience for the University of Oregon, the United States Air Force Academy, New York University Medical Center, and the Colorado Department of Education, among others. Prior to this appointment, she served as dean of the School of Education at Jones International University in Centennial, Colo.

"Dr. Scheffel's strong research experience will be particularly beneficial to our students as they enter the dissertation phase of their studies," said Dr. Tina Parscal, University of the Rockies provost. "Her wealth of practical experience supports our culture of scholarship and will ensure a high standard of quality of the research that is produced by University of the Rockies." 

In addition to conducting her own primary research, Dr. Scheffel will support student and faculty research projects conducted at University of the Rockies. She will also advise students on dissertation research, writing, and critical analysis of results. 

Dr. Scheffel holds a doctorate in Communication Sciences and Communicative Disorders from Northwestern University and a master's degree in Special Education from the University of Denver.

About University of the Rockies
University of the Rockies is an advanced graduate institution for tomorrow's thought leaders. The University provides an intimate and dynamic learning environment, offering highly specialized master's and doctoral degree programs in the social and behavioral sciences, access to industry experts, campus clinical programs for practical experience, and research and publishing opportunities. University of the Rockies is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association (www.ncahlc.org). Small by design, University of the Rockies classes are presented in a progressive online format and at its Colorado Springs, Colorado, campus. For more information, please visit www.rockies.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, associate vice president of Public Relations, at 866.621.0124 x2513.

Contact: Melissa Blevins, Campus PR/Marketing Specialist
719.442.0505 x1638 · melissa.blevins@rockies.edu

SOURCE University of the Rockies