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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., June 25 /PRNewswire/ -- University of the Rockies has appointed four new directors to its Colorado Springs campus team: Amy Kahn, director of diversity; Tina Parscal, Ph.D., director of academic quality; Judith Steed, director of assessment; and Janet Brugger, director of student affairs. 

On May 18, Dr. Amy Kahn began her role as director of diversity. She is charged with establishing comprehensive diversity initiatives for University of the Rockies. 

Dr. Kahn comes to Bridgepoint with nearly 20 years of diversity management experience. Previously, Dr. Kahn served as director of academic affairs for Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine & Acupuncture College and as an online faculty member for the University of Phoenix. A majority of Dr. Kahn's research focuses on the complexity of the diversity arena, more specifically, how best to plan for and implement multi-faceted diversity programs within large organizations. In 2003 she received the Arizona Society for Human Resource Management State Council's Appreciation Award for developing a statewide recognition program for companies and individuals involved in diversity work. 

Dr. Kahn earned her doctoral degree in Human and Organization Systems from Fielding Graduate University, an MBA in International Management from the Thunderbird School of International Management, and completed her undergraduate coursework at Clark University and at Universite de Dijon, in France. 

Dr. Tina Parscal was appointed to the position of director of academic quality on May 6. In this role, Dr. Parscal will oversee the quality of the university's curriculum design, instructional outcomes, degree programs and overall learning experience, ensuring all campus and online instructional materials meet or exceed industry standards of quality. 

Dr. Parscal is a published author in the areas of adult learning, ethics in online education, online faculty development and cognitive apprenticeship strategies. Dr. Parscal comes to University of the Rockies from Colorado State University where she served as program director of education and professional studies. As such, she served in a managerial role to facilitate articulation agreements, foster relationships with local government agencies, direct curriculum, develop and supervise faculty, establish academic standards and oversee brand initiatives for a start-up campus within the Colorado State University system. Dr. Parscal received her doctorate of Philosophy in Education degree from Capella University. She also holds a master's degree in Social Sciences from the University of Colorado and a bachelor's degree in both Psychology and Sociology from Regis University. 

Judith Steed joined the staff of University of the Rockies on May 1 as the school's first-ever director of assessment. In this position, Steed is charged with leading university-wide initiatives aimed at improving the ability to articulate and evaluate student achievement, student learning and teaching effectiveness. 

Steed joins the University of the Rockies following a 17-year tenure with the globally-renowned Center for Creative Leadership where, as research associate, she produced many publications and presentations, specializing in the areas of assessing the impact of management development and executive coaching. Steed earned her master's degree in Sociology, and her double-major bachelor's degree in the subjects of Sociology and Philosophy - both from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. 

Also on May 1, Janet H. Brugger was appointed to the position of director of student affairs. As such, she will direct, manage and supervise the blossoming student life component of the university. 

Brugger joins University of the Rockies from Lamar Institute of Technology where, as director of development, she worked in close collaboration with campus and alumni staff to manage all student services functions for the institution. Brugger holds a master's degree in Human Resource Management with a concentration in Organizational Development and a bachelor's degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences - both from the University of Maryland University College. 

"I am pleased with the breadth and depth of experience of these directors," said Dr. Charlita Shelton, University of the Rockies president. "With the help of this talented group of individuals, I believe University of the Rockies will be able to bring a heightened level of quality to the academic programs we offer." 

About University of the Rockies

University of the Rockies is a graduate school specializing in psychology programs at the master's and doctoral levels at its campus in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, University of the Rockies also offers specialized degree programs online. San Diego-based Bridgepoint Education is the parent company of University of the Rockies, formerly known as the Colorado School of Professional Psychology. University students provide free and low-cost psychological services to the underserved through the University of the Rockies Foundation's Switzer Center. The Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit organization supporting students through scholarships, assistantships and other activities. For more information, please visit www.rockies.edu or contact Shari Rodriguez, Director of Public Relations, at 866.621.0124 x2513. 

SOURCE: University of the Rockies

Web site: http://www.rockies.edu/