The University of St. Thomas has named Kari Rusch-Curl as its new Dean of Students, effective Oct. 5. The appointment brings Rusch-Curl back to St. Thomas, where she previously served as an area director, managing women’s residence halls from 2005 to 2008.
Rusch-Curl has more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience advancing student success, well-being and belonging across private and public higher education institutions. She previously served as vice president of student success and retention at Inver Hills Community College and Dakota Technical College. Prior to that, she served as vice president of student affairs and dean of student success and retention at Inver Hills, as well as roles at Normandale Community College and Hamline University. Her experience includes student conduct administration, crisis management, Title IX compliance, student advocacy and strategic planning.
As dean of students at St. Thomas, Rusch-Curl will serve as a primary advocate for students and provide strategic leadership for several areas within Student Affairs. Her responsibilities will include student conduct and accountability, crisis response and support to promote student well-being. She will report to Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Linda Baughman.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kari as our next dean of students,” Baughman said. “Kari has led multiple student affairs teams with a lens that fosters a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement, while keeping student success at the center. Kari is invested in our university’s mission and is excited to return to St. Thomas.”
As she prepares to return to St. Thomas, Rusch-Curl expresses her shared enthusiasm upon rejoining the Tommie community and taking on a role centered around supporting students.
"I am so grateful to return to St. Thomas as Dean of Students. The University has been a special place on my professional journey, and the opportunity to come back to this community in a role focused on supporting and advocating for our students feels especially meaningful to me. I look forward to being part of a vibrant campus and working together to advance our strategic goals."
Rusch-Curl has a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration from the University of Northern Iowa and a Bachelor of Arts in English Education from Buena Vista University.
