Biography

President Charles R. Middleton, PhD

Charles R. “Chuck” Middleton brings a historian’s perspective to his role as President of Roosevelt University. He understands how the past informs the future and the importance of questioning even the most strongly held opinions in order to defend, adapt and drive change.

How does this outlook apply to the story of Roosevelt and its fifth President?

When Dr. Middleton came to Roosevelt in 2002, he joined a University with a rich, proud history and powerful story to tell. He embraced the quest to elevate Roosevelt’s image and advance its position as a distinguished institution with the principles, vision and tools to prepare students for meaningful roles as leaders in their professions and communities.

Since assuming the Presidency, Dr. Middleton has led a dramatic transformation at the University. He moved to strengthen the curriculum by strategically expanding and refocusing programs based on Roosevelt strengths and relevance to the marketplace—with such pioneering programs as the Midwest’s only three-year pharmacy doctorate. The University also has hired progressive college deans and appointed a record number of new full-time faculty members.

Among Dr. Middleton’s notable accomplishments has been the transition of Roosevelt from a primarily commuter school with part-time adult students to a more traditional-age, full-time university. The number of full-time equivalent students has grown 17 percent over the last decade, with approximately 12 percent living in University housing on the Chicago Campus—including at University Center, the nation’s largest joint student residence hall, which opened in 2004.

And things are looking up. A new, 32-story Vertical Campus will open on the Chicago Campus in 2012. This multipurpose green building—the nation’s second-tallest academic facility—will house high-tech classrooms and labs, and student and administrative services. Student residences will occupy the top 17 floors.

Driving positive change

Under Dr. Middleton’s leadership, Roosevelt has earned a national reputation as a fiscally disciplined organization committed to student access and success. For the first time, Roosevelt received investment grade credit ratings (from Fitch and Moody’s), and endowments have grown dramatically. Credit hours taken by Roosevelt students have increased to the highest level in University history. Flat-rate tuition, instituted in 2005, has made it financially advantageous for students to take more courses each semester. Composite average ACT scores of incoming freshman have increased steadily over the past six years.

Dr. Middleton is proud and excited to bring intercollegiate athletics back to the University: Men’s sports have returned after a 22-year absence, and women’s sports have been introduced for the first time to campus.

More than 40 years as a professor, administrator and historian

A fellow of Great Britain’s Royal Historical Society, Dr. 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.

Previously, Dr. 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.

Dr. Middleton’s dedication to community engagement is evidenced by his many professional and civic commitments. He is on the Board of Directors of the American Council on Education (ACE) and immediate past chair of the Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities. He serves on the Board of Governors of the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute in Hyde Park, N.Y., the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), the Center on Halsted (where he chairs the Finance Committee and serves as Treasurer of the Center), the Chicago Central Area Committee, the Near South Planning Board, the Point Foundation Board of Governors, and the Chicago History Museum Community Advisory Council. He previously served on the board of the Chicago 2016 Olympic Bid Committee and is a member of Rotary One, the Economic Club of Chicago, the Executives’ Club, and the Commercial Club of Chicago.

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