Introducing Dr. Rocky Dwyer
Dr. Rocky Dwyer joined the University of Fredericton (UFred) in 2021 as a faculty member with the Sandermoen School of Business. Since then, he has served as a professor in the MBA and EMBA Systems Thinking and Organizational Design courses, as well as the Enterprise Integrated Project courses.
Dr. Dwyer’s academic career began with a Bachelor of Science in Vocational Education from Bemidji State University. He then went on to complete a Master of Science in Career and Human Resource Development from the Rochester Institute of Technology and a Ph.D. in Leadership and Management from Capella University. Alongside his degrees, Dr. Dwyer holds the designations of Chartered Professional Accountant, Certified Management Accountant, and professional accreditations in human resource management, compensation, recruitment, and instructional design.
Complementing Dr. Dwyer’s academic experience is a robust professional career that has spanned through the private, public, and non-profit sectors, including leadership roles that have varied from Program Principal to Director of Human Resources. He is currently engaged in work in both academia and in the not-for-profit sector.
The UFred Experience: introduction to a unique learning environment
Students completing their MBA or EMBA at UFred are given the opportunity to learn in a uniquely active learning environment. Dr. Dwyer describes active learning as a “space where students are encouraged to apply what they learn to real-life experiences, rather than focusing solely on the theory.”
In Dr. Dwyer’s experience, he has found that active learning is not well-fostered in all online programs. The emphasis on this area at UFred’s Sandermoen School of Business was a vital factor in his interest in teaching at the school.
“At UFred, we move students beyond a passive role and into proposing solutions to complex, real-world problems. Individuals learn by having concrete professional experiences and then interpreting these experiences to create individual success.”
In his courses, Dr. Dwyer strives to provide students with a space where they can ask questions comfortably and explore ideas that may challenge their current views.
“I believe this empowers students to see boundaries, whether professional, personal, or social, as constructed. This approach affords students an opportunity to challenge themselves and then move beyond the boundary of their own worldview.”
Dr. Dwyer has found that ultimately, approaching education in this manner has had transformative effects on the education, careers, and on the students themselves in his courses: “It is this movement ‘against and beyond boundaries’ that both empowers and transforms students.”
Academia and beyond: lifelong learning and work towards social change
Dr. Dwyer considers himself a passionate lifelong learner. He aims to continue formal and informal learning for himself and hopes to continue to share with others as they pursue further education as well.
“Learning more provides me an opportunity to engage, inspire, and enable others to move beyond traditional boundaries, to thrive, and to create personal and professional success.”
In pursuit of sharing knowledge, Dr. Dwyer continues to conduct research within his areas of study; a sample of Dr. Dwyer’s research can be found here. His research is now available in five languages, including English, French, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese, and he has received several national and international awards for his research contributions.
Outside of academia, Dr. Dwyer is committed to working toward social change in areas he is passionate about. Dr. Dwyer currently holds an advisory role with Catalyste+ formerly known as Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO), enabling him to work with leaders from communities and businesses in North America, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and Latin America.
“In my role, I support leaders in their efforts to enhance their governance to drive economic growth by fostering locally driven, sustainable solutions that are equitable, inclusive, and environmentally responsible.”
Recently, Dr. Dwyer received the Queen Elizabeth Il Platinum Jubilee Award for his exceptional contribution to community service and engagement in Ontario, and throughout Canada.
“Giving back and supporting society is personally very important, I love having an opportunity to go beyond a single cause since it enables me to support individuals, events, the community, or to raise awareness. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have such opportunities to support others. Each and every day, I’m looking for the next opportunity to make a difference.”