Archive Posts
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Kari Rusch-Curl Named New Dean of Students
Professional NotesThe 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,…
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Professor Jorge Barrera-Rojas Elected to U.N. Human Rights Advisory Committee
Law Professional NotesUniversity of St. Thomas School of Law Professor Jorge Barrera-Rojas was elected to the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee by the United Nations Human Rights Council. He will serve on the advisory committee until 2029 as a representative from Chile for the Latin American and Caribbean States region. “This election is an honor I receive… -
Rachel Schauer Receives Regional Staff Sustainability Award
Professional NotesRachel Schauer, program manager in the Office of Sustainability Initiatives, has received the 2026 Staff Member (Re)Cognition Award from the Upper Midwest Association for Campus Sustainability (UMACS). The award recognizes individuals who demonstrate a commitment to enriching their campuses and communities through sustainability leadership, collaboration, and meaningful change. Schauer was nominated by Dr. Maria Dahmus,… -
Opus College of Business Faculty Member Delivers Keynotes From Twin Cities to Cameroon
Professional NotesChristopher Wong Michaelson, professor at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business and academic director of the Melrose and The Toro Company Center for Principled Leadership, recently delivered three keynote talks exploring meaningful work, responsible business and professional ethics across business, health care and public relations. In July, Michaelson traveled to Cameroon to… -
Manjeet Rege Publishes Two Books on Artificial Intelligence
Artificial IntelligenceDr. Manjeet Rege, director of the Center for Applied AI at the University of St. Thomas College of Engineering, has recently published two books on artificial intelligence. The first concerns the ethics and public understanding of AI, and the second focuses on AI-powered robotics in the medical field. Rege co-wrote Ethics and Governance of Artificial… -
President Rob Vischer Speaks on Student Flourishing at North Star Summit
Professional NotesUniversity of St. Thomas President Robert K. Vischer says higher education should prepare students for more than their first job. Colleges should help students develop the skills, relationships and sense of purpose they need to flourish throughout their lives. “We are always telling students to lift their gaze in terms of your time at St.… -
Dr. Brett Bruininks New Department Chair of Health and Exercise Science
Professional NotesAssociate Professor Dr. Brett Bruininks is the new chair of the Health and Exercise Science (HES) Department in the Morrison Family College of Health. He succeeds Dr. Paul Mellick, who continues to serve as director of the Sports Science Institute at the University of St. Thomas. A faculty member for the past 11 years, Bruininks… -
Yohuru Williams to Speak at MinnPost Festival
Professional NotesDr. Yohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas, will join historian and author Ibram X. Kendi for a conversation during the 2026 MinnPost Festival on Saturday, Oct. 10, in Minneapolis. Williams and Kendi will discuss Kendi’s new book, Chain of Ideas: The Origins of Our Authoritarian Age,… -
Dr. Aura Wharton-Beck Honored at Hispanic Women National Gala
Professional NotesDr. Aura Wharton-Beck ’99 EdS, ’15 EdD, associate professor in the School of Education at the University of St. Thomas, and her family were honored at the 29th Annual 100 Hispanic Women National, Inc. Gala in New Rochelle, New York. The 100 Hispanic Women National Inc. is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that aims to promote… -
Ali Ling, Engineering Professor, Published in Nature Water
People & CultureDr. Ali Ling, assistant professor of civil engineering and water expert at the University of St. Thomas, has published findings on the regulation of forever chemicals in water supplies across Europe in Nature Water. Per- and polyfluoroalkyls substances, or PFAS, include substances such as PFOS, PFOA, and TFA and accumulate in our environment and water…