The Medical University of South Carolina College of Nursing has appointed Ken Ruggiero, Ph.D., as interim associate dean for research, effective July 1.
A nationally recognized researcher, Dr. Ruggiero is a Professor and SmartState Endowed Chair of the Technology Applications Center for Healthful Lifestyles (TACHL). He also serves as director of the Telehealth Resilience and Recovery Program. His research focuses on developing, testing and implementing technology-enhanced interventions that improve access to mental health care and support individuals and communities recovering from trauma.
As Interim Associate Dean for Research, Dr. Ruggiero will provide strategic leadership for the college’s research enterprise, supporting faculty scholarship, research development, interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. He will work closely with faculty, staff and institutional partners to advance the college’s research mission and expand its impact on health outcomes and health care delivery.
Dr. Ruggiero has served on the MUSC faculty for more than two decades and is widely recognized for his work leveraging technology to improve mental health care quality, access and scalability. Under his leadership, TACHL has advanced innovative programs that use digital tools to address behavioral health needs, disaster recovery and trauma resilience.
“Dr. Ruggiero is an accomplished researcher, visionary leader and dedicated mentor whose work has transformed how we think about technology-enabled health interventions,” said Catherine Durham, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAAN, Dean of the MUSC College of Nursing. “His collaborative approach, commitment to scientific excellence and passion for developing the next generation of nurse scientists make him exceptionally well suited to lead our research enterprise. I am excited to see the impact of his leadership as we continue advancing research that improves lives and transforms health care.”
Dr. Ruggiero earned a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo and both his master’s degree and Ph.D. from West Virginia University. He completed his clinical internship and National Institute of Mental Health postdoctoral fellowship at MUSC. Throughout his career, he has led and collaborated on numerous federally funded research initiatives focused on trauma, behavioral health and technology-based interventions.
“I am honored to serve in this role and build upon the strong foundation of research excellence within the College of Nursing,” Dr. Ruggiero said. “I look forward to partnering with faculty, staff and students to foster innovation, strengthen research capacity and expand the impact of our work on the communities we serve.”
Dr. Ruggiero succeeds Teresa Kelechi, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, whose leadership helped elevate the college’s research profile and advance opportunities for faculty and student scholars.
