Baltimore, Md. – Janet Rutledge, program director in the Division of Graduate Education at the National Science Foundation (NSF), has been named associate dean of the UMBC Graduate School. Rutledge will begin her appointment on July 16, 2001, replacing Jim Vincent, who will be retiring after nine years of service to the Graduate School and thirty years as professor of chemistry at the University.

Rutledge will also hold an affiliate associate professor position in UMBC's Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering.

“We look forward to Dr. Rutledge providing leadership to continue UMBC's march toward national excellence in the area of advanced graduate study. She brings a unique portfolio of experience to the position, one which should significantly advance the agenda of the Graduate School and UMBC,” says Scott A. Bass, Dean of UMBC's Graduate School.

Rutledge joined the NSF in 1995 and has held administrative positions there overseeing programs in graduate and undergraduate education, course and curriculum development, faculty early career development, and professional opportunities for women in research and education. Rutledge currently manages the Graduate Research Fellowship Program which it supports approximately 900 new fellows each year in all areas of science and engineering supported by the NSF. Prior to NSF, Rutledge was a faculty member at Northwestern University.

“I am thrilled at the prospect of joining the vibrant community that is UMBC. As a Doctoral/Research Extensive institution it is among the top 4% of institutions in the nation in research volume and productivity. I look forward to contributing to increased recognition of the quality, diversity,and versatility of its graduate programs and students,” says Rutledge.

Rutledge holds a B.S. in electrical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.