The University of St. Francis starts the new academic year with new deans at the helm; three longtime faculty members have been promoted to the positions of dean.

"After conducting national searches, it is very exciting to know that the best talent is already here," said USF President Michael Vinciguerra. "These are people who not only are leaders and innovators in their fields, but who are dedicated to the mission and students at the University of St. Francis."

Michael LaRocco, founder of USF’s MBA and master of science in Management program, has been named dean of the College of Business. LaRocco, who has taught at USF for more than 26 years, spearheaded the university’s first online program, which became one of the first MBA online programs offered in the country.

LaRocco, of Chicago, has extensive business experience both nationally and internationally. He has worked for such companies as Midas International Group, The Leggett Group and Hy-Gain de Puerto Rico. His consulting and research clients include British Petroleum Chemicals, Amoco Medical, WM Wrigley Corp. and the Archdiocese of Chicago.

LaRocco is a recipient of the university’s Special and Salutary Award for use of technology in teaching and also of the Excellence in Teaching and Campus leadership Award.

He holds a doctor of business administration degree from Nova Southwestern University and an MBA from DePaul University. He is a member of the American Marketing Association, American Management Association, Academy of Management and Marketing Management Association.

USF’s College of Business is focused on education and career training for business professionals. It offers two graduate programs, the MBA and master of science in Management and four undergraduate majors in accounting, finance, management and marketing, as well as a degree completion program in Professional Arts.

Best known in the community for his research in jumping spiders, Frank Pascoe of Joliet is dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. A faculty member since 1982, Pascoe served as interim dean of the former College of Undergraduate Programs. As interim dean, his accomplishments include founding of the LEFT film series, the Senior Scholarship Symposium, the Summer Faculty/Student Research Program, Greater Expectations initiative, greening of the college campus and college credit for high school students programs.

Pascoe is a recipient of the university’s Achievement of Distinction and Outstanding and Commendable Achievement awards. He was also named to the All-Professor Team for Chicagoland college professors by the Chicago Tribune.

Pascoe holds a doctor of arts in biology from Idaho State University. He has published extensively and received several grants for spider research. He has also conducted research projects at Argonne National Laboratory, the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, Will County Forest Preserve District and the Morton Arboretum.

He is a member of the American Arachnological Society, American Society of Microbiologists, Council for Undergraduate Research, Illinois State Academy of Sciences, Council for Environmental Deans and Directors and the Association of American Colleges and Universities.

The College of Arts and Sciences focuses on undergraduate education in the arts, humanities, social sciences and related programs. Programs are offered in Computer Science, English/Foreign Languages, Fine Arts, History/Political Science, Mass Communication, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Psychology, Recreation Administration, Social Work and Theology/Philosophy.

Joy Thompson has been appointed as interim dean of the College of Professional Studies. Thompson has been with USF for 12 years, first as an associate dean and more recently as an associate professor. She is the founder of the master of science in Training and Development. She also administered the university’s first online programs, the MBA and the M.S. in Management. She has worked throughout the region to promote adult education.

Thompson is the 2003 recipient of the university’s Achievement in Service Award.

Thompson, of New Lenox, holds a doctorate degree in Adult Continuing Education, Administration, from Northern Illinois University. She is a member of the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education, the National and Chicago Chapters of the American Society for Training and Development, the Illinois Council on Continuing Higher Education, the Joliet Chamber of Commerce Working Women’s Council, and is a past president of the Joliet Chapter of Zonta International.

The College of Professional Studies focuses on undergraduate degree completion and graduate programs for mid-career professionals that are offered nationwide. A degree completion programs is offered in Health Arts for health care professionals. Graduate programs include the master of science in Health Services Administration and in Training and Development.

The University of St. Francis, at 500 Wilcox St. in Joliet, serves some 4,300 students nationwide. More than 60 areas of undergraduate study are offered in the areas of arts and sciences, business, education, nursing and allied health and social work. Ten graduate programs are offered in business, education and health care.

Dr. Michael LaRocco

Dr. Frank Pascoe

Dr. Joy Thompson