Dr. Carmel Ruffolo joins Marquette University

After 17 years as a dedicated and passionate advocate for the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and southeastern Wisconsin, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences, Founding Director of the Center for Health Studies, Founding Director of the First Year Experience, and Director of Corporate Engagement and Regional Development at UW-Parkside and UW-Milwaukee, Dr. Carmel Ruffolo has accepted new responsibilities at Marquette University as the associate vice president for research and innovation. 

I know you join me in congratulating Dr. Ruffolo and wishing her a great deal of success in her new role. When I came to UW-Parkside six years ago, it was Carmel's understanding of the value of collaboration and her ability to bring different perspectives to the planning table that helped build ground-breaking articulation agreements with our technical college partners. I have always appreciated Carmel's enthusiasm for projects and initiatives that bring positive change. 

Here are just a few of Dr. Ruffolo's contributions to our campus:

• Along with Dr. Bryan Lewis and Dr. Penny Lyter, established the Applied Health Program 
• Developed Celebrazione Italiana - a fundraising event supporting the Italian Exchange program and honoring some of our most dedicated community partners
• Established the exchange agreement with the University of Western Sydney in Australia
• A proud and important voice of our university on many local, regional and national advisory boards 

Earlier this week, Carmel sent a note to many of her colleagues thanking them for the opportunity to be a part of the UW-Parkside family. To that I would add: Thank you, Carmel, for being a Ranger!!

Debbie Ford, Chancellor