Media Room

University of the Rockies President, Dr. Charlita Shelton, presented The Importance of Graduate Education in the United States at the Women In Business Breakfast held Jan. 23 at the Denver Athletic Club.

Dr. Shelton, who has led the transformation of a small school of professional psychology to an advanced graduate institution specializing in social and behavioral sciences, provided an overview on the history of graduate education, which was established in the 1800's by Princeton University and Johns Hopkins University."One hundred years later, graduate education in the United States became a much sought after commodity," she said. "Students from countries all around the world flocked to American universities for graduate education."

Today, she says there is an absence of strong graduate degree programs in this country and posed thought-provoking questions such as: Who will this country depend on to do research in the many critical areas which influence our society? Who will inform the community of scholars? Who will teach our undergraduate  students?                                                 

With more than 20 years professional experience in higher education, Dr. Shelton, an enthusiastic leader on diversity issues, was named president of University of the Rockies in 2008. In 2007, she was selected by the Arizona Society of Human Resource Management as "Diversity Champion" for the state of Arizona. In 2010, she was named a Diversity Champion of the Year, by DiversityBusiness.com, and received recognition as "Women Worth Watching" by Profiles in Diversity Journal. 

Dr. Shelton is a vibrant and enthusiastic leader with strong opinions, especially on diversity issues in higher education. Her Influences That Lead To Higher Graduation Rates of African-American Males Who Receive Their Undergraduate Degree and Helping First-Generation College Students Succeed research writings have been the topic of articles in many national publications. 

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.