Source: Mary Rezac, 785-532-4317, rezac@k-state.edu
Web site: http://www.sustainable-energy.ksu.edu/
Photo available. Contact media@k-state.edu or 785-532-2535.
News release prepared by: Beth Bohn, 785-532-2535, bbohn@k-state.edu

Thursday, April 29, 2010

KEITH RUTLIN JOINING K-STATE'S CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY AS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS ADMINISTRATOR

MANHATTAN -- Keith Rutlin is joining Kansas State University as educational programs administrator of K-State's Center for Sustainable Energy.

The center conducts and facilitates research for global, sustainable energy systems and lower greenhouse gas emissions; educates students and the general public about sustainable energy; and facilitate industrial adoption of new technology.

In his job, Rutlin will support the development of academic and outreach programs for the center and be responsible for their implementation. The center currently has a National Science Foundation-funded Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship, or IGERT, program, which provides training for doctoral students from multiple K-State colleges in the field of bioenergy and biorefining; a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates program that hosts eight to 12 undergraduates each summer; a U.S. Department of Agriculture-funded program for the faculty development of new distance courses; a U.S. Department of Energy-funded outreach program; and a U.S. Department of Education-funded Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, or FIPSE, project that supports travel for six to 10 students a year.

Rutlin will report to the center's co-directors Mary Rezac, ConocoPhillips Professor of Sustainable Energy, and Ron Madl, director of K-State's Bioprocessing and Industrial Value-Added Program.

A longtime resident of Wisconsin, Rutlin is joining K-State after serving six years as director of the Central Wisconsin Center at Lakeland College. As director, he managed all center operations, including budgeting, personnel recruiting, student counseling, marketing and statistical data control. He helped lead and guide the center to a 400 percent increase in undergraduate enrollment. He also helped establish operational policies and program offerings, which have resulted in an 85 percent student retention rate.

Rutlin also has served as educational services officer with the Wisconsin National Guard.

Rutlin earned a Master of Business Administration and a bachelor's in business management, both from Cardinal Stritch College in Milwaukee, Wis. In addition, as a member of the Army National Guard, he attended the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., and Officer Candidate School at the Wisconsin Military Academy.