Kimberly Ripka

Current Position:

1. Manage the daily operations of the Department of Food Science.

Major responsibilities include:

• Manage and monitor departmental budgets and associated activities.
• Lead and carryout activities with the College's administration and support units. 
• Compile summary level reports and information on behalf of the Department Head. 
• Mentor and develop support staff to effectively support critical operations. Oversee the hiring process of new support staff. Initiate recognition and acknowledgment processes. 
• Act as a liaison to the Department Head for committees, faculty, staff, and students. 
• Assist in establishing a positive department image through interactions with other university units and external groups. 
• Facilitate the department's strategic planning process and coordinate related activities. 
• Ensure departmental activities are successfully ongoing in conjunction with the designated acting Department Head in the absence of the Department Head.
• Serve on Departmental Committees as appointed. 
• Lead improvement and implementation of operational processes to achieve high internal and external customer service thereby assisting faculty and staff in meeting their goals. 
• Serve on the New Building Committee and carryout assigned responsibilities. 
• Assist in the Department's recruitment initiative working closely with the Undergraduate Program Committee Recruitment Coordinator, the student program staff assistant and others.