Student Affairs Staff Spotlight: Heather Ruiter (February 2022)

Nominated by: Victor Flores

Nomination:

I would like to nominate Heather Ruiter for the spotlight award.  I’ve had the pleasure to work alongside Heather for 8 wonderful years.  Heather is very knowledgeable about UW Tacoma and community resources, specifically on disability advocacy and accessibility issues.  She is hardworking, dedicated and willing to go beyond the call of duty.  She was instrumental in our move to our new space in MAT 107 and has continuously championed our new vision for developing community and support for our DRS students; helping to create that sticky campus.  She has been a mentor to many and served as an advisor to the UWASL RSO.  A recent graduate sent Heather a card thanking her and “extending their gratitude for her dedicated assistance and mentorship she provided them during their time at the UW Tacoma.” Heather is about students first, often selflessly gives her time to DRS students to make sure they get what they need in order to be successful and often bringing snacks, food and coffee to the office to make sure that students don’t go hungry, especially during finals week. Her professional goal is to serve as a manager or director of a disability services office and I’m confident that one day soon, she’ll reach her goal and ensure that students with disabilities are supported and are a part of and not a part from the university student experience.