The Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine is pleased to announce the appointment of Katherine M. Ruger, E.D., to Senior Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives and Executive Chief of Staff.
"I'm humbled by this opportunity," Dr. Ruger expressed, "and I'm eager to collaborate with leaders across the college to contribute to Dean deJong’s vision and promote the College’s future success."
Joyce deJong, D.O., dean of the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, highlights the importance of a proactive, strategic thinker in Dr. Ruger's new role, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in addressing complex initiatives.
With a 15-year history at the college, Dr. Ruger has played a pivotal role in its growth. During her tenure, she and her admissions team restructured the admission process which has led to the most diverse and competitive applicant pools in the college’s history. To address the diverse needs of students, staff and faculty across the college’s sites, Dr. Ruger led the college’s recent climate assessment, and served as a key member of the leadership team that developed the college’s current strategic plan, strategic enrollment management plan and the Common Ground Professionalism Initiative.
Dr. Ruger is also the co-founder and lead faculty of the Statewide Campus System Leadership Development Institute, further demonstrating her commitment to advancing leadership within the institution. She spearheaded the reduction of the college’s out-of-state tuition rate and led the expansion of pre-college and early assurance partnerships, solidifying her dedication to enhancing accessibility within the college community.
“Dr. Ruger will provide crucial advisory support to me on a wide range of internal and external matters critical to the organization's success,” Dean deJong stated, adding, “Dr. Ruger will also drive communication, collaboration and alignment across the institution and work to advance the college’s mission. She has exemplified this work, from her focus on community building and supporting all members of the college to her leadership in reinvigorating our focus on the student experience.”
In addition to her work with the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Ruger has made significant contributions in the field in peer-reviewed publications, national and international presentations and podcast interviews. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Northwood University, a Master of Arts degree in Counseling, Sport and Exercise Psychology from Wayne State University, and a Doctor of Education in Organization Leadership from Pepperdine University. She is also a certified leadership and performance coach through the International Coaching Federation and is a fellow with the Big Ten Academic Alliance Academic Leadership Program.