R.J. McGivney

Dr. R.J. McGivney earned both a bachelor’s degree in Politics and Government and a master’s degree in Educational Administration at the University of Hartford. In 2008, R.J. earned his doctorate in Educational Policy, Research and Administration at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. RJ began his professional career at Newbury College in Boston, Massachusetts where he served as Campus Director. He returned to his alma mater in 1996 as the Director for Summer and Winter programs. RJ has held various roles in his 25-year career at the University of Hartford. Some of his major accomplishments include developing numerous degree programs and launching online education from inception to 15 programs that generate over $10 million per year. In his most recent role, R.J. was promoted to his current position, Associate Vice President, Graduate and Professional Studies. In this role R.J. has added the position of University Retention Coordinator to his portfolio as well as overseeing Graduate Admissions. Since assuming this role in 2018, first-year retention has increased from 73% to 81%, which is the highest retention rate in the history of the University of Hartford. More impressively, the retention rate for minoritized students increased from 63% to 81%.