Philip Rusche Has Extensive Background in Issues Facing Urban Schools

Rusche, who has an extensive background in issues facing urban schools, will assume the post August 1. "CSUN is very fortunate to have such an accomplished leader join the university at a time when we are seeking new approaches to teacher preparation and expect to continue leading the CSU and the state of California in designing models for teacher preparation and collaboration with the schools," said Provost Louanne Kennedy in announcing the selection.

Rusche, 60, succeeds Carolyn Ellner, who retired last year after 16 years as dean of the college. Mary Kay Tetreault, a former vice president of academic affairs at Cal State Fullerton, will continue to serve as interim dean of the college in the meantime.

Rusche said he is looking forward to joining the CSUN community.

"I have been impressed with everyone I've met-faculty, staff, students and central administration," Rusche said. "They are supportive and understand the importance of teacher education. This is refreshing to me, as is their commitment to working with area schools and school personnel. This commitment offers a very exciting prospect to me."

Rusche said he also is impressed with the college's students. "One of the first things I want to do is visit classes and meet groups of students about why they are here and what they are looking forward to in their careers and lives," he said.

Rusche has been dean of the College of Education and Allied Professions at the University of Toledo in Ohio since 1983. Prior to that, he was dean of the College of Education at Marshall University in Huntington, W. Va., and associate dean of the College of Education at Northeastern University in Boston, Mass. He has been a high school teacher and a professor of educational administration.

He is one of the founders and current chair of the Council of the Great City Colleges of Education, a group of 70 colleges affiliated with the Council of Great City Schools. With representation of most of the major urban centers in the United States, including Los Angeles, these organizations work collaboratively to address the challenges in urban schools.

Rusche also serves on the board of examiners of the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, the steering committee of the Ohio Council for Women and Children and the governing board of the Toledo Public Schools Career Ladder Project. He previously served on the board of directors of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education.

During his tenure at the University of Toledo, Rusche led his college in curricular redesign for a dual degree program between the College of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences. He helped begin an Urban Leadership Development Program with the Toledo public schools. He also led a successful capital campaign for his college that exceeded its $3 million goal.

Rusche has published and presented extensively on urban teacher education, partnerships between universities and schools, and curriculum development. He also served as a referee for the Journal of Teacher Education.

He holds bachelor's degrees in American history and secondary education and a master's degree in American history from the University of Cincinnati, and a doctorate in educational administration from the University of Rochester in New York. He is married and has two children.

-Carmen Ramos Chandler