Dr. Benjamin E. Rusiloski, a veteran educator and administrator, has been selected by the Delaware Valley University board of trustees as the university’s 14th president. Rusiloski has served DelVal for more than 25 years and led the launch of its nationally-recognized experiential learning program, Experience360. He has served most recently as DelVal’s interim president.
“Throughout the search process, Dr. Rusiloski’s work in experiential learning really stood out to us,” said Majid Alsayegh, chair of the University’s board. “As Delaware Valley University celebrates 125 years of providing students with both knowledge and relevant real-world experience, we wanted a leader who could continue to build on that legacy. He’s truly passionate about DelVal’s mission of ‘science with practice’ and committed to preparing students for success after graduation.”
Rusiloski brings a wealth of higher education leadership experience to the position. Before becoming interim president in June 2021, he served as vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty. Before that, he served as dean of the School of Life and Physical Sciences. In that role, he was responsible for overseeing all academic-related matters, including program development, evaluation, faculty development, and strategic planning for the School of Life and Physical Sciences.
Rusiloski joined DelVal’s faculty in 1994 as an assistant professor of chemistry. Since then, he has served as professor, chaired two academic departments, served as dean of the School of Life and Physical Sciences, served as VPAA and dean of the faculty, and served as interim president.
“As we celebrate Delaware Valley University’s 125th anniversary, I’m honored to be selected to build on the work of the presidents who have come before me,” said Rusiloski. “DelVal is a school that I’m proud to serve. This institution has excellent faculty and staff who are personally invested in the success of each student. DelVal’s academic programs give students the skills and experience they need to be successful. Through our award-winning experiential learning program, our students are gaining relevant, real-world experience before graduation. I look forward to continuing to enhance experiential learning opportunities as president.”
As dean, Rusiloski was the principal investigator for a $707,569 award from the National Science Foundation and a $150,000 gift from the Mandell Foundation that were used to renovate five science laboratories on campus. Additionally, he helped secure funding from Bristol Myers Squibb to support student research.
Rusiloski led the development and implementation of DelVal’s signature Experience360 program. The program, which has become a hallmark of a DelVal education, uses real-world experiences and employer feedback to prepare students for success as young professionals. The National Society for Experiential Education selected the Experience360 program as the 2019 Outstanding Experiential Learning Program.
The search committee, chaired by Kate Littlefield, a DelVal trustee, included representatives from the board of trustees, some of whom are also alumni; the faculty; the president’s cabinet; and the staff. The committee partnered with Storbeck Search, a top search firm. The team gathered feedback from extended stakeholders during the summer, and selected Rusiloski from a large pool of applicants.
“The search committee interviewed many candidates to find the individual best suited to lead the institution at this particular time,” said Littlefield. “Dr. Rusiloski’s vast knowledge of and commitment to DelVal, his positive interpersonal skills, and the respect he holds among all constituencies, position him well for success.”
Rusiloski succeeds Dr. Maria Gallo, who served as president from 2016 to March 2021.
A longtime resident of Doylestown, Rusiloski looks forward to continuing to serve a community where he lives, as well as works.
