Smita Ruzicka

Dr. Smita Ruzicka is the Vice President for Student Affairs at Middlebury College, where she leads a comprehensive portfolio of student services and programs. She has held significant leadership roles in higher education, including Dean of Student Life at Johns Hopkins University and Assistant Vice President for Campus Life at Tulane University. She has also served in various leadership capacities at the University of Texas at Austin.

Her educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration, The University of Texas at Austin
• Master’s in Counseling Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX
• B.A. in English and Psychology, Trinity University, San Antonio, TX

Smita's research and professional interests focus on leadership development, equity and inclusion, and the experiences of South Asian American and Asian American college students, particularly regarding mental health. She has contributed to the academic environment through teaching first-year seminars and courses on inclusion and leadership.

She has held adjunct faculty positions at multiple institutions, teaching on topics related to leadership and equity. Her professional engagement includes active participation in NASPA, Leadership Austin, and board memberships with the Indian American Coalition of Texas and YWCA of Greater Austin. She is also a Licensed Professional Mental Health Therapist and organizational consultant in diversity and leadership.

Her awards and recognitions are not specified in the text. She has not published any scientific articles in the provided information. She has trained and mentored through facilitation roles but no formal advisees are listed.

She is affiliated with professional and community organizations, including NASPA, LeaderShape, and civic boards, demonstrating a strong commitment to leadership education and inclusive organizational development.