S Manian Ramkumar

Dr. S. Manian Ramkumar leads RIT’s College of Engineering Technology and advances student success and industry partnerships. His more than 35 years at RIT combine academic leadership, applied research, and resource development. He has held roles including Interim Dean, department chair, center director, and endowed professor. His work spans electronics packaging, manufacturing, automation, and applied engineering technology, supported by millions of dollars in grants, contracts, donations, and equipment.

1. How do you use Applied Critical Thinking in your professional practice, teaching, or research and what are your favorite resources?

In my role as Dean I use critical thinking to evaluate complex academic, financial, and personnel decisions by weighing evidence, considering multiple perspectives, and anticipating long-term consequences. This helps me set priorities, solve problems thoughtfully, and make decisions that align with the college’s mission, student success, faculty development, and institutional goals.

2. Why do you think Applied Critical Thinking is important in your domain or role?

My position as Dean requires decisions that balance academic quality, student success, faculty needs, budget realities, and institutional priorities. Applied Critical Thinking allows me to move beyond reacting to immediate issues and instead analyze evidence, consider long-term impacts, and make informed decisions that strengthen the college. Applied Critical Thinking has also helped me handle immediate personnel conflicts and to have crucial conversations to diffuse tense situations.

3. Can you share a story where quality Applied Critical Thinking was key to your success?

When the college leadership was asked to identify budget reductions in response to enrollment-related budget deficits, quality Applied Critical Thinking was essential to the process. Rather than making across-the-board cuts, we carefully examined the potential impact of each decision on teaching, student support, and research progress. This approach helped us identify appropriate funding sources, protect the core mission of the college, and realign resources in ways that supported continued growth and long-term success.

4. How do you use Applied Critical Thinking in other areas of your life outside of your profession?

When my children received bad grades in college, I had to use Applied Critical Thinking as a parent rather than simply reacting with disappointment or frustration. I tried to understand the reasons behind the grades by looking at the full picture—the difficulty of the courses, study habits, time management, use of campus resources, and any personal challenges they may have been facing. This helped me have a more constructive conversation with them, focus on solutions rather than blame, and support them in developing a realistic plan to improve their academic performance.

5. Any last critical thoughts you wish to share?

Applied Critical Thinking is an essential competency in today’s environment, where many interactions are reduced, virtual, or sometimes missing altogether. It helps us listen more carefully, evaluate situations with greater clarity, and respond with emotional intelligence rather than assumption or reaction. Developing this skill allows us to make better decisions, build stronger relationships, and lead with greater understanding and competence.