Ronald S. Rochon, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Education and
Associate Vice President for Teacher Education
Caudell Hall 114
1300 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14222
Phone: 716-878-4214
Fax: 716-878-5301
rochonrs@buffalostate.edu
As a native of the southside of Chicago, Rochon is currently serving as the Dean of the School of Education and Associate Vice President for Teacher Education at Buffalo State College in Buffalo, New York. Prior to this he was employed at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse as the Director of the Research Center for Cultural Diversity and Community Renewal (CDCR) and Director of the Master of Education Professional Development Program (MEPD).
Rochon obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Sciences from Tuskegee University and his Master of Science degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with an emphasis in reproductive physiology. After working at the University of Chicago within the reproductive unit of the hospital, he developed an interest in teaching and decided to further his formal education by obtaining a Ph.D. in Educational Policy Studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
One of Rochon's primary areas of interest centers around the recruitment, retention, and successful matriculation of culturally, linguistically, and racially diverse students across the university campus. He is also involved in various area activities and groups and strive to strengthen the relationship between the community and university. With the partnership of a friend and colleague, Rochon established the University of Wisconsin's CDCR office and acquired over $3 million in federal grant funds to direct a Hmong Teacher Education program. In addition, he coordinated an exchange program between the University of Cape Coast (Ghana) and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse’s International Education department.
Rochon has a passion for teaching and learning. He has instructed both undergraduate and graduate students within the school of education in courses that address the historical and contemporary perspectives surrounding the politics of race and culture within American society. His primary focus is assisting students in examining and deepening their understanding of the ways in which socio-cultural factors influence American educational thought, theory, and practice. As a teacher educator, rochon is committed to facilitating the empowerment of pre-service and in-service teachers.
Rochon's research agenda is grounded within a historical context that examines trends among African Americans with respect to their feelings, attitudes, and perspectives toward ethnic and national identity. His work also investigates the current educational curriculum controversy regarding multiculturalism as well as the role of public schools in addressing questions of ethnic identity.
As a life-long learner, Rochon's intensive work with students in K-12 settings, and throughout the community, consistently reminds him of the necessity of systemic community building and empowerment paradigms.