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Professor Karin Ruhlandt joined the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½Ó¿Ú in July 2024, hailing from Syracuse University where she was a Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Dean Emerita. There she served in various roles including Chair of the Department of Chemistry (2009-2014) and Dean, College of Arts and Sciences (A&S), the University’s largest College, a role she held until 2022.

Professor Ruhlandt is a highly respected leader with a passion for interdisciplinary collaboration. Under her leadership, the Syracuse College of Arts & Sciences spearheaded initiatives and policies to support and enhance the student experience, with a focus on attracting and retaining a diverse, world-class faculty. Working with key stakeholders, including students, faculty, and staff, she stewarded the development and implementation of the first academic strategic plan at the College.

Throughout her career, Professor Ruhlandt has been a champion for improved opportunities for traditionally underrepresented students and faculty through programs at Syracuse. She has mentored and supported many women in STEM from undergraduates, graduates, and postdoctoral fellows, to junior faculty members, and fostered a pipeline of trainees through an innovative funded program for undergraduate students.

Professor Ruhlandt is an accomplished scholar and an internationally recognized expert within her field of inorganic chemistry. Her research is focused on main group and lanthanide chemistry and X-ray crystallography, for which she has earned multiple grants and awards, including a Fulbright Fellowship and the National Science Foundation Career award. She has more than 150 papers, book chapters, and reviews to her credit.

As the Vice-Principal Academic & Dean (VP Dean), Professor Ruhlandt oversees academic and administrative decisions within the portfolio.  The VP Dean provides leadership in academic programming and services, as well as oversight of faculty appointments, promotions, and the development and review of academic departments and centres.  The VP Dean consults with members of the campus on academic direction and policy, and ensures coordination and alignment of °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½Ó¿Ú's academic activities within the broader context of the University of Toronto - working closely with the Provost, Executives, and Tri-Campus Units.  The VP Dean also manages the academic budget, resolves all high level academic integrity and code issues; as well as taking the lead on crisis and issues management.

Professor Ruhlandt sat down with Don Campbell, Senior Writer & Editor, Marketing & Communications, to discuss her thoughts on beginning her first term as Vice-Principal Academic & Dean, °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½Ó¿Ú's ""

For administrative matters pertaining to the VP Dean's portfolio, including scheduling a meeting with the Vice-Principal Academic & Dean, contact: Rhonda Martin, Executive Assistant to the VP Dean.

7 Questions with Vice-Principal Academic & Dean, Professor Karin Ruhlandt

1. What important lesson did you learn in your time at Syracuse University?  I learned about the power of networking and people supporting each other. With a great group of people working together and supporting each other, amazing things can and will happen!
2. If you had to define yourself in three words, what would they be?  Team oriented, collaborative, caring
3. Why °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½Ó¿Ú? I love the focus on inclusive excellence and the close-knit, caring community. It’s a wonderful step building on my previous work on enhancing the student experience and success.
4. What is one of the first projects you are looking forward to working on at °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±½Ó¿Ú?  I am looking forward to getting to know campus and the great people who make things happen at UTSC, our students, faculty, and staff!
5. What is one thing that has already surprised you here in Scarborough? The new Sam Ibrahim building deeply impressed me. It’s an amazing space for innovative teaching and learning, a space to support our students, and a space for people coming together.  In just a few weeks,  the building will be opening for the new semester and I am sure  students and faculty will be as impressed as I am!
6. What is one thing people might be surprised to know about you?  I love to cook, especially in a group of people who love the company and cooking together, experimenting with new ingredients and cooking styles. I also love pottery, and I am looking forward to continuing hand building unique pieces. I also love going for walks with our dog Bear, a rescue from Texas, who loves people and cuddles.
7. Which movie, book, or show makes you laugh the most?  I love political satire, and the french comic series Asterix.