Alumna to oversee College's undergraduate services

LAWRENCE – The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at the University of Kansas has hired a higher education administrator and KU alumna with more than 20 years’ experience to lead its undergraduate services office.

The new director, Susan Rufledt, will assume duties leading the College’s Student Academic Services office Oct. 20. She most recently served as director of First-Year Experience at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Karen Ledom, who has served as interim director since May, will resume her position as administrative director.

“Susan Rufledt will hit the ground running as our new director. She’s a creative problem-solver and experienced project manager whose initiatives have made a big difference in student success at other universities,” said Danny Anderson, dean of the College. “I look forward to the innovations she will bring to our undergraduate services in the College.”

Student Academic Services is an academic support office for College departments and for students pursuing baccalaureate degrees within the College. As director, Rufledt will oversee a staff of 30 and monitor programs and projects that include assisting students in the development of educational plans, the clarification of career and life goals, and the appreciation of the values of a liberal arts education.

“The University of Kansas provided me with an exceptional education,” Rufledt said. “I am thrilled to return to KU and make a contribution by advancing the college advising and curricular agendas, by serving the faculty, staff and students of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, and promoting the Bold Aspirations of KU in general.”

Rufledt has held positions in higher education administration since 1992. At University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, she also led recruitment and advising efforts for Wisconsin Covenant Scholars. At Northcentral Technical College in Wausau, Wisconsin, she held roles in academic advising and project management, overseeing the creation of a new campus at a juvenile correctional facility and growth of programming at the Menominee and Stockbridge-Munsee campus.

Rufledt completed a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies at KU, a master’s in counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminal justice from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

The College enrolls about 60 percent of all undergraduates at KU. It is the largest and most diverse academic unit at KU, offering degrees in more than 50 departments, programs and centers in humanities, natural sciences and math, social and behavioral sciences, the arts, and international and interdisciplinary studies.