Robert Ruday, Dean of Students at the University of Tampa since 1994, is planning to pass the torch to a successor at the end of the semester. He described the role of the office he has held for the past 17 years as a mix of coordinating non-academic services on campus and building stable bridges of understanding between the University and the students.
In Ruday’s words, more than anything else, “The dean is the voice of the students.”
Ruday expressed particular pride in his contributions to the betterment of the resident student experience at the University. Specifically, he commented on the building of new and improved residence halls and the creation of McNiff Fitness Center.
“We transformed what was almost an empty building into a fitness facility that would be hard to beat,” said Ruday.
The retiring dean also commented on the enlargement and improved location of certain offices vital to providing students with aid. In Ruday’s time at UT, offices uncluding the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) and Career and Disability Services were more fully integrated into the academic center of the university.
Programs related to international service learning, such as alternative spring breaks and summer trips abroad, were also greatly enhanced during his tenure.
Although he was unable to pick one favorite from his many fond memories of UT, Ruday stated that some of his more gratifying experiences as dean involved his frequent interactions with Student Government.
“I truly enjoyed working with and helping to guide student government and helping individual officers to grow,” he said.
Despite the gratification derived from his office, Ruday said that his 17 years at UT were not without some difficulties.
“The most difficult times are always when a student passes: working with family and friends to plan a memorial service and helping everyone through their time of grieving,” Ruday said.
Ruday hopes that his successor will do everything possible to help strengthen and expand the student affairs infrastructure, so students will always have a means of addressing their concerns and desires. He expressed his unwavering belief in the unique character of UT’s student community and its potential to achieve greatness under proper direction.
“UT students are diverse, accepting of differences and tolerant of actions, and hungry to serve others,” he said. “They are eager to practice and learn leadership skills.”
After the semester, Ruday intends to board a Disney cruise with his wife to Alaska and then spend the summer reconnecting with his children and grandchildren. He said he would always be happy to lend his experience to the betterment of the university and the experience of its students.
“I plan to keep in contact with the University of Tampa and offer my services through transitory times in areas I have been responsible for in the past,” said Ruday.
Jeffrey Palmer can be reached at jeffrey.palmer@spartans.ut.edu.
I am a Bob Ruday fan and like all who know him, am a better person because of him.