About
We meet the needs of businesses and organizations in the Greater Rochester area by providing certificate and training programs through the Community Institutes at Roberts Wesleyan University, separate from the degree-based education we already offer.
We connect the uncommon expertise of our Roberts Wesleyan University and Northeastern Seminary faculty, doctoral students, and celebrated alumni with community organizations seeking solutions to tough social issues, business challenges, and mental health struggles.
We expand our contribution to transformative education for character by infusing our friends, neighbors and alumni with opportunities for continued learning and new skill development. We allow our corporate partners and community leaders to offer ongoing resources to their teams through our growing catalog of Institute courses available both online and in person.
The Community Institutes are both responsive and adaptive, evaluating our effectiveness through diligent market research and data analytics. Our pricing is fair and competitive, making our resources an accessible value to the community at large.
Areas Served (Including, But Not Limited To):
- Individuals and Groups
- Corporations and/ or Businesses
- Government
- Healthcare Administration
- Law Enforcement
- School Districts
- Churches
Meet the Executive Director
Dr. Carrie Starr
Executive Director, Community Institutes at Roberts Wesleyan University
585.594.6257 | Starr_Carrie@roberts.edu
Dr. Carrie Starr works with institute directors and campus leaders to identify and cultivate community partners to support and expand the institute’s programs, as well as assist the entire advancement team to develop funding and grants for the institutes. Dr. Starr directly oversees The Community Institutes at Roberts Wesleyan University, which includes Business Solutions, Justice & Security, Intellectual & Spiritual Humility and Westside Psychological Services.
Starr has served at the college since 2005 and brings more than two decades of leadership experience, fundraising, strategic planning and teaching to this new role. She previously served as the director of advancement for Northeastern Seminary. Starr also served as assistant professor of leadership in the School of Business and was the Hoselton chair of ethics and free enterprise. She led the nationally ranked Enactus team for undergraduate students and coached student leaders to identify needs in the community and meet those needs using business concepts and an entrepreneurial approach. Starr received the Enactus USA Entrepreneurial Leadership Award and was inducted into their hall of fame. Her team provided college and workforce readiness skills to more than 320 Rochester City School District students through the Elev8 program.
Starr earned a Doctor of Ministry in leadership, scripture and spirituality from Northeastern Seminary, as well as a master’s in theological and ministerial studies from Northeastern Seminary and a bachelor’s in elementary education from SUNY Oneonta. She was recently named a 2021 RBJ Women of Excellence honoree, which recognizes high-achieving women for their tremendous career accomplishments, community involvement and commitment to mentorship. A native of Montgomery, New York, Starr and her husband, Ervin, reside in Churchville and have three children.
Current or Past Partners
Support the Community Institutes
If you'd like to support the Community Institutes, you can give to your chosen Institute below. Thank you for furthering our impact in the Greater Rochester area!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my money back if I don't like a course?
Yes! We want you to be completely satisfied with the courses you take.
Do I need a webcam/microphone to take a class?
Not at all! While many classes offer zoom calls as part the course, you can still join and view the zoom calls without a webcam or mic. Other courses include prerecorded videos that you can watch whenever you want!
How long to I have access to my class?
Any course that you have paid for is yours forever! We may offer certain courses for free for a limited time, this access will end after the free period is over.