Rugless Named New VP for Civil Rights, Title IX Education at MSU

Laura Rugless has been appointed as vice president for civil rights and Title IX education and compliance at Michigan State University in East Lansing, effective July 1. The decision was made following a national search.
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Laura Rugless
Laura Rugless

Laura Rugless has been appointed as vice president for civil rights and Title IX education and compliance at Michigan State University in East Lansing, effective July 1. The decision was made following a national search.

“This role is a key leadership position in our collective focus to create a safer, more welcoming, and respectful university community for current and future Spartans,” says Teresa K. Woodruff, interim president of MSU. “Laura has spent her career advancing equity, civil rights, and sexual violence prevention efforts, and her decades of experience in these areas will further our strategic goals.”

In this newly elevated role, which was transitioned from an associate vice president to a vice president position, Rugless will be responsible for leading the institution’s civil rights and Title IX compliance, serving as the university’s Title IX coordinator, and building upon MSU’s efforts to cultivate a university community free of discrimination and harassment.

The position will oversee the office of institutional equity; the prevention, outreach, and education department; the resolution office; the office of support and equity; the equity review officer; and the Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator.

“MSU’s determination and continuous improvement to deliver on its civil rights and Title IX commitments drew me to this exceptional opportunity,” says Rugless. “I am humbled and excited to lead the dedicated office for civil rights (OCR) team and work alongside campus partners as we do this important work together.”

She earned her bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor from the College of William & Mary in Virginia. Rugless went on to practice law in Virginia, specializing in employment law and employment discrimination. Her appointment is subject to board approval at its June 16 meeting in Grand Rapids.