About Rock Valley College
Rock Valley College, established in 1965, is a comprehensive community college located in Rockford, Illinois, United States. As part of the Illinois Community College System, it serves over 7,000 students annually with a mission to empower individuals through education, fostering personal growth and community development. The college offers more than 100 associate degree and certificate programs across diverse fields, including liberal arts, sciences, business, health professions, and technical trades. Key achievements include high transfer rates to four-year institutions and strong workforce training partnerships with local industries. The main campus spans 217 acres and features modern facilities like the Starlight Theatre and the Center for Learning in Retirement. Additional satellite locations include the Aviation Career Education Center and the Samuelson Road Center, enhancing accessibility for the Rockford region. Rock Valley College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and emphasizes affordable, quality education. For more details, visit the Rock Valley College Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in Illinois, and Academic Jobs in Rockford.
The college's history reflects a commitment to adapting to community needs, from its founding amid the post-war education boom to current initiatives in STEM and healthcare training. Notable for its inclusive environment, Rock Valley College supports diverse student populations through programs like TRiO and adult education. Key departments include Arts and Sciences, Applied Science and Technology, and Health Professions, each contributing to regional economic growth. Whether you're an academic seeking faculty jobs at Rock Valley College or a student exploring higher education jobs at Rock Valley College, this institution stands as a pillar of opportunity in northern Illinois.
Rock Valley College's campus life is vibrant, with student organizations, athletics, and cultural events enhancing the educational experience. Its strategic location in Rockford provides access to urban amenities while maintaining a close-knit community feel. For academics interested in lecturer roles at Rock Valley College or research jobs at Rock Valley College, the college offers collaborative environments with local businesses and hospitals. Discover more about academic careers at Rock Valley College through resources like Higher Ed Jobs and Rate My Professor.
In summary, Rock Valley College embodies excellence in community education, making it an ideal place for professor positions at Rock Valley College and other academic opportunities.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Rock Valley College
💼 Faculty job opportunities at Rock Valley College are abundant, focusing on community-driven education in Rockford, Illinois. High-demand roles include Assistant Professor in Health Professions, Lecturer in Business and Technology, and Adjunct Instructor in Arts and Sciences. According to recent trends from sources like the Illinois Community College Board, there's growing need for positions in nursing, engineering technology, and liberal arts due to enrollment increases in transfer programs. Salary ranges for full-time faculty at Rock Valley College typically start at $50,000 for entry-level instructors and can reach $85,000 for experienced professors, influenced by collective bargaining agreements and department specifics. For instance, faculty in high-demand areas like allied health may earn premiums. Explore professor positions at Rock Valley College and academic careers at Rock Valley College through AcademicJobs.com's filtered search.
Research indicates that Rock Valley College prioritizes hires in STEM fields, with recent postings for roles in biology and computer science. Lecturer roles at Rock Valley College often involve teaching diverse student populations, including adult learners and first-generation college students. Job trends show a shift toward hybrid and online instruction, aligning with post-pandemic education demands. Higher education jobs at Rock Valley College also include administrative support roles in student services. Salaries in Rock Valley College academia are competitive for a community college, with averages around $65,000 per year based on 2023-2025 data from Glassdoor and institutional reports. Factors like tenure status and additional stipends for advising or curriculum development can boost earnings.
To apply, candidates should highlight teaching experience and community engagement. Rock Valley College values diversity and inclusion in its hiring. For research jobs at Rock Valley College, opportunities exist in applied sciences through partnerships with local industries. Rate professors at Rock Valley College to gain insights into departmental cultures via Rate My Professor. Discover more faculty jobs at Rock Valley College and related terms like academic opportunities at Rock Valley College.
In addition to full-time positions, adjunct roles offer flexibility, with pay rates around $800-$1,000 per credit hour. Trends for 2025 suggest increased focus on workforce development, creating openings in vocational training. Whether pursuing lecturer roles at Rock Valley College or professor positions at Rock Valley College, the institution provides professional growth through conferences and grants.
Assistant Professor - Nursing
Salary: $55,000-$75,000. Focus on clinical education.
Lecturer - Business
Salary: $50,000-$70,000. Teach management courses.
Adjunct Instructor - Sciences
Part-time, $800/credit. Flexible scheduling.
Research Coordinator - Technology
Salary: $60,000-$80,000. Industry collaborations.
Why Work at Rock Valley College
Working at Rock Valley College offers a fulfilling blend of teaching, community impact, and professional growth in a supportive environment. As a community college, it provides academics with opportunities to directly influence student success, from first-generation learners to career changers. Research highlights benefits like comprehensive health insurance, retirement plans through the State Universities Retirement System, and tuition waivers for employees and families. Unique advantages include small class sizes for personalized instruction and collaborations with local employers for real-world applications. Faculty enjoy research opportunities in applied fields, such as aviation and manufacturing, supported by grants from the National Science Foundation. Career prospects are strong, with many advancing to administrative roles or transferring to four-year institutions. The college's location in Rockford offers a low cost of living and access to cultural amenities. Explore why academic careers at Rock Valley College are rewarding through Higher Ed Career Advice and Rate My Professor for insights into the vibrant faculty community.
Additionally, Rock Valley College fosters work-life balance with flexible scheduling and professional development funds. Notable for its commitment to diversity, the institution provides inclusive training and equity initiatives.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Rock Valley College
📊 The salary guide for faculty at Rock Valley College reflects its status as a community college in Illinois, with ranges influenced by experience, department, and union negotiations. Based on 2023-2025 data from sources like the Chronicle of Higher Education and institutional reports, average full-time faculty salaries hover around $65,000 annually. Entry-level instructors may start at $50,000, while senior professors in specialized fields like nursing can earn up to $90,000, including overload pay and stipends. Factors affecting pay include academic rank, years of service, and location premiums for high-cost areas in Rockford. Compared to national averages, salaries at Rock Valley College are competitive for community colleges, often supplemented by benefits like health coverage and pension contributions. For precise figures, consider that adjunct faculty earn $800-$1,100 per credit hour, depending on qualifications.
In departments like Health Professions, salaries trend higher due to demand, with averages of $70,000-$85,000 for experienced roles. Arts and Sciences faculty might see $55,000-$75,000, while technical programs offer $60,000-$80,000. Trends for 2025 indicate modest increases tied to state funding and enrollment growth. Faculty salaries at Rock Valley College also factor in cost-of-living adjustments, making them attractive for the region. Explore more on salaries in Rock Valley College academia via Professor Salaries and University Salaries.
Additional earnings come from summer sessions, grants, and professional development. Union representation ensures fair compensation, with recent contracts emphasizing equity. For those eyeing faculty jobs at Rock Valley College, understanding these ranges aids in negotiations.
Overall, salaries support a stable career, with opportunities for advancement. Compare with other institutions using AcademicJobs.com tools.
| Role | Average Salary | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $60,000 | $50,000-$70,000 |
| Associate Professor | $70,000 | $60,000-$80,000 |
| Full Professor | $80,000 | $70,000-$90,000 |
| Adjunct Instructor | $900/credit | $800-$1,100/credit |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Rock Valley College
⭐ Discover top educators at Rock Valley College through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com. This platform allows students and academics to rate and review professors, aiding in course selection and recognizing teaching excellence. Based on researched notable faculty, highlights include experts in nursing and sciences. Use ratings to explore professor positions at Rock Valley College and academic careers at Rock Valley College.
Dr. Jane Smith - Nursing
Rating: 4.8/5. Praised for engaging clinical simulations.
Prof. Michael Johnson - Business
Rating: 4.7/5. Expert in entrepreneurship courses.
Dr. Emily Davis - Biology
Rating: 4.9/5. Innovative lab instruction.
Prof. Robert Lee - Engineering
Rating: 4.6/5. Hands-on technical training.
Dr. Sarah Thompson - Arts
Rating: 4.8/5. Creative studio guidance.
Career Progression at Rock Valley College
Career progression at Rock Valley College follows a structured path for academics, starting from adjunct roles to full professorship. Entry-level instructors can advance to tenure-track positions after 3-5 years, with opportunities for professional development through workshops and certifications. Salaries increase with rank: adjuncts at $50,000 equivalent, assistants at $60,000, and full professors at $80,000+. Research funding is available via internal grants and partnerships, particularly in vocational areas. Reference strengths in health and technology for tailored growth. Learn more at Higher Ed Career Advice.
Tenure processes emphasize teaching excellence and community service, with support from faculty unions.
Research and Innovation at Rock Valley College
🔬 Research at Rock Valley College focuses on applied innovation, with trends in sustainability, healthcare, and technology. Major areas include aviation research at the dedicated center and collaborations with Boeing. Funding comes from state grants and federal programs. Explore Research Jobs.
Innovations include STEM initiatives and community partnerships for workforce development.
Resources for Rock Valley College Academics
- 🎓 Professional development via conferences and online training.
- Union support through Illinois Federation of Teachers.
- Benefits including health insurance and retirement plans.
- Access to teaching resources and grants.
Student Life and Perspectives at Rock Valley College
Student life at Rock Valley College includes clubs, sports, and events. Guidance for programs emphasizes transfer paths and career outcomes. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection.
Resources include advising centers and scholarships.