WS Chronicle

Susan Ruskin has been named Dean of the School of Filmmaking at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (UNCSA), effective July 1. She has been interim dean for the 2012-13 year.

Ruskin has taught producing at UNCSA since 2009. She was head of the producing faculty, and stepped in as acting dean when the former dean, Jordan Kerner, was in production for “The Smurfs 2.” She was named interim dean after Kerner stepped down in June 2012.

Ruskin is a film producer and executive who began her film career in development for George Lucas’ LucasFilm. She was head of development for Robert Stigwood at RSO before she went on to associate produce “Woman in Red” for Orion. She then became president of production for Pal-Mel Productions. She also produced “Haunted Honeymoon” with Gilda Radner, Gene Wilder and Jonathan Pryce. As head of production, she worked on the Richard Pryor/Gene Wilder movie “See No Evil, Hear No Evil,” and “Another You,” among others.

Ruskin went on to become president of production for Middle Fork, making “Anaconda.” The School of Filmmaking first enrolled students in 1993, becoming the fifth of UNCSA’s conservatory programs, along with Dance, Drama, Design & Production, and Music. This year it awarded four master of fine arts degrees and 59 bachelor of fine arts degrees.
“Susan Ruskin has demonstrated her ability to lead our Film School into its third decade,” said Provost David Nelson in making the appointment. “Susan was chosen from a field of highly qualified candidates identified through a thorough, well-managed national search. Since joining our faculty in 2009, and becoming head of the producing faculty, Susan has exhibited her commitment to our mission. She is an accomplished filmmaker, a gifted educator, and a dedicated administrator.”