Richard Ruiz

Born in Mesa, AZ, Professor Richard Ruiz was one of eight children of Prudencio and Guadalupe Ruiz (deceased). He became a world renowned scholar recognized for his research and scholarship in language planning and policy development. His advice was sought by many foreign governments. In 1992, he was called upon to serve on the Clinton/Gore transition team.

Ruiz received degrees in French literature at Harvard College and in anthropology and philosophy of education at Stanford University. He met the love of his life Marie, while attending Harvard and was married in 1971. Beloved of two sons Zachary (Marina)Ruiz and Daniel Ruiz he is also survived by brothers Ronnie (Joan), Robert, Roland (Debbie) and sisters Esther (Leo), Ernie (Miles) and Patsy (Enrique) as well as many nieces and nephews. Richard served in the United States Army from 1971-1976 and was honorably discharged as a Specialist Five.

After graduating from Stanford, he taught at the University of Wisconsin, Madison in Educational Policy Studies for nine years. In 1986 he came to the College of Education, University of Arizona serving currently as head of Mexican American Studies and Professor in the Dept. of Teaching, Learning and Sociocultural Studies. He also served the Honors College and had affiliations in the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Second Language Acquisition and Teaching and the Program on Comparative Cultural and Literacy Studies. He took great delight as a Faculty Fellow and faculty adviser to the UA’s Chicano/Hispanic Student Affairs holding weekly office hours to talk, encourage and mentor students in their pursuits. He loved his students and gave his time generously to everyone. Beloved by faculty and administration Ruiz was respected as a wise but gentle leader who had an uncanny wit and sense of humor.

He was selected as a Distinguished Visiting Professor by the Mexican Academy of Science and was appointed director of social justice for the American Educational Research Association (AERA). He received many awards and served on numerous committees and boards throughout his career. He served as editor of the Bilingual Research Journal as well as editorial boards of Urban Education, Teaching Education, Journal of Teacher Education and Review of Education Research.

He loved sports participating in faculty intramural soccer and volleyball teams. He had accrued many Senior Olympic medals as part of volleyball teams in Arizona and beyond. He encouraged students in these sports, providing an example of true competitive spirit and fun.

Dr. Ruiz had a deep and abiding faith and was a student of the Word. His love of the guitar and playing music at the contemporary service at church will be missed. Through the lens of his faith, Richard was an advocate and champion for social justice empowering others and with compassion and empathy touched everyone he met. Professor Richard Ruiz’ influence will be forever remembered and live on in the heart of colleagues, students, family and friends.

A memorial service is planned for March 13, 2015 at 11:00 am at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 2450 E. Ft. Lowell Road.