Dr. Ralph J. Rascati assumed the role of Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs on October 1, 2002. As of July 1, 2006 he is also Dean of University College. Dr. Rascati first came to Kennesaw State University in 1985 as Associate Professor of Biology. In 1990 he was promoted to Professor and in 1997 he became Chair of the Department of Biological & Physical Sciences in the College of Science and Mathematics. Dr. Rascati was born and raised in New Haven, Connecticut, received his B.S. in Biology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY in 1969 and his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from The University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 1975. He then spent 4 years as a Research Associate at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He taught in the Biology Department at Illinois State University prior to coming to KSU. Dr. Rascati's primary area of interest is Molecular Genetics and in the last 9years he has devoted much of his efforts to Forensic DNA Analysis.

Dr. Rascati's research interests have included development of an immunoflourescence assay for the detection of the protozoan parasite, Giardia lamblia in water supplies, watershed analyses, and an EPA-funded Clean Lakes study of Lake Allatoona. He has also developed a variety of laboratory exercises designed to provide students with hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment and methodology in the area of molecular genetics and forensic DNA analysis. All of his research involves students, in line with his basic philosophy that the best way for students to "learn science" is to "do science". As Chair of the Department of Biological & Physical Sciences, Dr. Rascati was the primary author of a proposal for an undergraduate degree program in Biotechnology. That program was approved by the Board of Regents in September, 2002 and became the first degree program in Biotechnology in the state of Georgia. Dr. Rascati has served as a consultant to several area attorneys on matters pertaining to forensic DNA analysis and is an active member of the Georgia Biomedical Partnership, an organization dedicated to the growth of the Biotechnology/Life Science industry in the state of Georgia, and particularly in the metropolitan Atlanta area. Dr. Rascati has been involved nationally in promoting science literacy for all students. He has also been involved in a national study of retention and graduation rates sponsored by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). Although now devoting his full attention to his responsibilities as Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of University College, Dr. Rascati will continue to teach in the Biotechnology program in the area of Forensic Molecular Biology.

Dr. Rascati met and married his wife, Daryleen, at the time a professional trainer of Arabian Horses, while at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. More recently, they have "gone to the dogs" and together they raise and show Toy Fox Terriers, including the 1996 National Grand Champion Specialty Winner. In his spare time he also donates his services as Show Announcer for the Regional Arabian Horse Association Youth Jamboree which is held every summer here in Georgia.