Tiece M. Ruffin has been appointed dean of the School of Education at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. Dr. Ruffin comes to her new role from the University of North Carolina at Asheville, where she taught for the past 16 years. She served as a full professor and chair of the department of education. Earlier in her tenure, she was director of the Africana studies program.
A former K-12 teacher, Dr. Ruffin focuses her research on learners with special needs, diverse learners, and pedagogical approaches for the diverse and inclusive classroom. She is the author of Somalis and Disability: Cultural Context and Implications for Practice (AV Akademikerverlag, 2012).
“I am honored to join Fort Lewis College, where the commitment to student-centered, experiential learning and community engagement aligns with my background in educator preparation, advancing equity-focused programs, and fostering strong partnerships between schools, universities, and communities,” said Dr. Ruffin. “I am excited to work at a campus that intentionally designs learning experiences connecting students to culture, environment, and community.”
Dr. Ruffin earned her bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction with a specialization in special education and cognate in reading education from Ohio University.
