Ruscio to lead Washington and Lee University
Kenneth P. Ruscio, dean of the University's Jepson School of Leadership Studies, has been named president of Washington and Lee University in Lexington, effective July 1.
J. Thomas Wren, professor of leadership studies and associate dean of the Jepson School of Leadership Studies, will serve as the Jepson School's interim dean while a national search is conducted to find a successor for Ruscio.
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Ken Ruscio |
Ruscio has been dean of the Jepson School since 2002, previously serving as a professor of politics, dean of freshmen and acting associate dean of The Williams School of Commerce, Economics and Politics at Washington and Lee-his alma mater. He holds master's and doctoral degrees from The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University.
"Dean Ruscio is a most fitting choice to lead Washington and Lee, and I wish him every success," said University of Richmond President Bill Cooper.
"Ken has made many significant contributions here as the dean of the Jepson School since joining the University," added Provost June Aprille. "Under his guidance, the school has made a number of excellent faculty hires, expanded its national profile and further developed its outstanding undergraduate curriculum. He is a gifted organizational leader and has served Richmond exceedingly well during his tenure here."
"Though his departure is a significant loss for Richmond, I am very pleased that his outstanding leadership abilities have been recognized by one of the country's great institutions. His appointment to Washington and Lee's presidency is a tremendous compliment to the Jepson School and the entire University of Richmond community."
Ruscio said it has been a privilege to serve at Richmond as dean of "one of the most distinctive programs in all of higher education."
"Working with the Jepson School's outstanding faculty, students, staff and alumni has been the highlight of my professional career, and I am grateful for the lasting friendships I have made during my time here," he said. "While I look forward with excitement and humility to the challenges of a college presidency at one of the nation's finest liberal arts colleges," Ruscio said, "I will indeed miss being a part of all that the future holds for the University of Richmond and the Jepson School."
Ruscio will continue to serve as dean of the Jepson School through the end of the academic year.
Wren joined the University in 1992 as assistant professor. He was appointed associate dean for academic affairs in 2005, and promoted to professor in March 2006.
A historian and legal scholar, Wren's research interests include the roles of leaders and followers, leadership education and the intellectual history of leadership. An expert on Virginia, he has written and lectured extensively on subjects including James Madison, the Virginia courts and the historical roots of the values in leadership.
He is an author or co-author of many books, book chapters and articles including the most recent book, Inventing Leadership: The Challenge of Democracy.
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