Not many students at Duke know the name Judith Ruderman, but as vice provost for academic and administrative services, she has undertaken several projects which have affected students' lives.
In her capacity as vice provost and a member of the Undergraduate Administrative Group, Ruderman has contributed to discussions on a variety of undergraduate issues from admissions and University scheduling to the honor code and undergraduate judicial appeals.
If selected as the next Student Affairs vice president, Ruderman, who played a large role in drafting the University's current long-range plan for student affairs, will focus her efforts on a number of initiatives outlined in the plan. The plan was approved by the Board of Trustees earlier this year.
Chief among these initiatives is bridging the growing divide between curricular and extracurricular lives. By focusing Student Affairs' efforts on ensuring that students are learning in and out of the classroom, Ruderman hopes to make the division a more meaningful part of student lives. One of the most prominent ways she wants to accomplish her goals is by increasing opportunities for faculty-student interaction.
"Faculty are great role models for students in so many ways," Ruderman said. "The more interaction between faculty and students, the better the students will become, not just in terms of their experiences as students, but in their lives as people."
As vice president, Ruderman said she would work with the faculty, other administrators and student leaders to develop a model for other schools around the nation to admire. The vice provost, however, is mindful that such interaction cannot happen overnight, and she has no plans to change the culture of the University radically.
"I've been very fortunate to have been here for so long," she said. "I understand the old Duke and what students want today. I have that history.... I'm not trying to force faculty down students' throats or vice versa."
If appointed, Ruderman said, she will continue her academic work. In addition to teaching a class, the adjunct professor of English will remain a pre-major adviser and mentor.
Ruderman-an Allen Building insider whose current office is a few feet away from that of the provost and a few doors down from the president-will have several advantages if she becomes the next vice president. Ruderman would enter the position with the respect of administrators and faculty, said Provost Peter Lange, who added that she has been an important undergraduate policy adviser and is prepared for the job. Members of the faculty agreed.
"I find her to be a very intelligent, thoughtful and easy person to work with," said Peter Burian, professor of classics and chair of the Academic Council. "There have been times when I have sought her advice on matters.... She's quite well known among the faculty, and is a scholar in her own right."
Ruderman's accomplishments have also been noted by some student groups. Last year, she received a special leadership award from Spectrum for her demonstrated dedication to issues of diversity. A vocal member of the University's Jewish community, Ruderman was also instrumental in the development of the Freeman Center for Jewish Life.
Before becoming vice provost in 1995, Ruderman ran the Office of Continuing Education and Summer Programs for over a decade.
Despite her strong group of admirers on campus, Lange and members of the vice presidential search committee said Ruderman will be given no special advantage because of her relationship with the senior administration.
"This is a level playing field," said Vice President Allison Haltom, University secretary and chair of the search committee. "[Ruderman] was given, and will have, the same opportunities as others."
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