The University of North Carolina at Asheville
01/07/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/07/2026 14:36
UNC Asheville Education Professor and Fulbright Scholar selected for prestigious AASCU Department Chair Leadership Institute
January 7, 2026
UNC Asheville today announced that Tiece M. Ruffin, Ph.D., Chair of the Department of Education, Professor, and U.S. Fulbright Scholar, has been selected to participate in the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU)'s Department Chair Leadership Institute (DCLI).
Dr. Ruffin is one of only 38 higher education leaders nationwide chosen for this prestigious cohort. The highly selective program is designed for current and newly appointed department chairs at regional public universities who aspire to be dynamic, strategic, and empathetic institutional leaders.
DCLI sessions explore critical topics including leading a department in alignment with an institution's mission and strategic plan, growing and sustaining a future-focused department, navigating difficult conversations, resource management, principles of supervision, maintaining relevance amid changes in higher education, and wellness for leaders.
"We are thrilled that Dr. Ruffin has been selected for this exceptional leadership development opportunity," said Chancellor Kimberly van Noort. "As Chair of our Department of Education, Dr. Ruffin plays a vital role in shaping the future of education in Western North Carolina and beyond. This recognition reflects her outstanding leadership and commitment to excellence, and we know she will bring valuable insights back to our campus community."
Dr. Ruffin joins a distinguished group of academic leaders participating in the program, which is made possible with support from Academic Search. Charles L. Welch, AASCU
president and CEO, noted that "Department chairs are among the most critical leaders at the heart of academic operations on campus."
Through DCLI, participants gain a national perspective on the vital role chairs play in advancing their institution's mission, delivering value, and ensuring student success.
For more information about UNC Asheville's Department of Education, visit https://education.unca.edu/.
About UNC Asheville
Founded in 1927, UNC Asheville is a proud member of the University of North Carolina System. With award-winning faculty, small class sizes, and 60+ academic programs in the natural sciences, human sciences, humanities, arts, and social sciences, the University is recognized for its robust paid internship programs to prepare students to immediately enter the workforce. In the US News & World Report 2025 edition of Best Colleges, UNC Asheville is ranked No. #9 in Top Public Schools, and No. #7 in Princeton Review's 2025 Top 50 Guide to Green Colleges. Known as the Bulldogs, UNC Asheville student-athletes compete in 16 NCAA Division I Teams in the Big South Conference. For more information, please visit: www.unca.edu.
About AASCU
The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) is a Washington, D.C.-based higher education association that represents over 500 regional public colleges, universities, and systems whose members share a learning- and teaching-centered culture, a historic commitment to underserved student populations, and a dedication to research and creativity that advances their regions' economic progress and cultural development.
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The University of North Carolina at Asheville published this content on January 07, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on January 07, 2026 at 20:36 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]