 A dual citizen of the United States and Canada, Runte earned her bachelor's degree in French from SUNY New Paltz and her master's and doctorate from the University of Kansas.Additionally, she has received honorary degrees from Acadia University, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Vasile Goldiș Western University of Arad and the West University of Timișoara.On January 7, 2008, "The Globe and Mail" announced that Runte would become president of Carleton University in Ottawa.