As Senior Associate Dean of Strategic Initiatives and Executive Chief of Staff at Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM), Dr. Ruger leads over 30 faculty, academic and support staff towards the mission of the college by building and sustaining a strong community of next-generation osteopathic physicians. As a key member of the leadership team that developed MSUCOM’s strategic plan and strategic enrollment management plan, she has advanced the college’s efforts to improve the student experience, including restructuring the admissions process resulting in a 22% increase in applicants; spearheading the reduction of MSUCOM’s out-of-state tuition rate; leading the expansion of pre-college and early assurance partnerships; guided the development of the MSUCOM crisis response team; and launched the college’s Common Ground Professionalism Initiative. In addition to her leadership with the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Ruger has presented to numerous organizations, has been published in online and traditional publications, and serves on local and national committees and boards. Dr. Ruger also chaired the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicines (AACOM) Council of Medical Admissions Officers and is currently the chair of the AACOMs Council of Student Affairs. In 2020, she co-founded and currently co-chairs MSU’s Council of Student Affairs Deans. She also serves in consulting and faculty roles beyond the college and currently works with the Armed Forces College of Medicine, Cairo, Egypt, as well as other institutions. She received a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management degree from Northwood University, a Master of Arts in Counseling, Sport and Exercise Psychology degree from Wayne State University, and a Doctor of Education in Organization Leadership degree from Pepperdine University.