Bari Hoffman Ruddy

Associate Professor, Dept. of Communication Sciences and Disorders 2016 Womens History Month

What is your current job title and responsibilities (please make sure we know your College, Department, etc.)?
I am currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, College of Health and Public Affairs and recently jointly appointed to the Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, UCF

What is your history at UCF and before UCF? (past job titles, responsibilities)
In May of 1999 I assumed the position of Director of the Center for Voice Care and Swallowing Disorders at The Ear Nose Throat and Plastic Surgery Associates and continue this clinical affiliation today. In 1996 while completing my Master’s degree in Speech Pathology I worked as a Speech Therapist at Stonewall Jackson Middle School, Orange Country Public Schools.

What is your academic background?
2001  Ph.D., Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Florida
1998 M.A.,  Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Central Florida
1996 B.S.,  Communication Sciences and Disorders,University of Central Florida

What is your favorite UCF memory?
I always enjoy taking my daughters to UCF and living vicariously through their excitement being on a big college campus. One particular memory, which is a favorite, was taking my daughters to the UCF football game for the first time in the new stadium. They loved making as much noise as they possibly could and stomping to the ‘Charge On’ anthem.

If you could change one thing at UCF, what would it be? ($ and time no object)
I would hope to increase the funding for student research to instill the passion for scientific inquiry and to continue the legacy of the University.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with your colleagues?
I’m proud to share a quote from Maya Angelou, which has served to advise, motivate and inspire me over the years…  “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”

If UCF was going to name something in your honor, what would you like it to be and why?
A scholarship named in my honor would provide a torch to inspire opportunities for those who otherwise would not be able to pursue their dream.

If you could have lunch with anyone at UCF (who you do not normally eat lunch with), who would you choose and why?
I would select to have lunch with President Hitt because of the prestige he continues to bring to the University; for his ability to bring new ideas and new opportunities to faculty and students; for his unique ability to bring the community and the university together in a partnership that has earned great success and esteem in the state of Florida; and for his ability to reach the vast majority in an understated way.

Who at UCF would you like to thank for your success?
I have been privileged to have had wonderful mentors at UCF who contributed in a variety of ways to inspire, motive, support and encourage me. Initially Dr. Jack Ryalls (UCF faculty) created a spark that stimulated me to pursue my career path. Without a doubt his mentorship helped create the passion I feel today for my work.

Name and describe a teacher or researcher from your past who truly inspired you and why.
The late David Ingram, Ph.D. (emerita UCF faculty) and Jeffrey Lehman, M.D. (otolaryngologist) were integral in introducing me to the study of laryngeal function and voice disorders, they both in variety of ways provided unique learning and apprentice opportunities that encouraged my teaching, research and clinical practice today.

What undergraduate or graduate class/program/experience inspired you the most and why?
Organic Speech Disorders taught by Dr. Charlotte Harvey (UCF faculty), the reasoning for this is that the scope goes beyond the textbook. Dr. Harvey provided the opportunity to explore the many facets of Parkinson Disease from early symptoms, diagnosis, and a variety of treatment modalities during my summer semester in her class. As a result of this experience, I was inspired to create a ‘living laboratory’ with my own students helping them connect the patient, caregiver and community in an effort to maximize quality of life and quality of care for individuals affected by neurogenic disease.

What is your favorite restaurant or food?
Thai food

What is your favorite movie, book or music?
Movie: Hunger Games
Book: I enjoy historical fiction (The Other Boleyn Girl)
Music: many genres of live music (Classical, ACDC, to top 40 and Broadway Show tunes… a very eclectic mix)

What is your favorite vacation destination?
The North Carolina Mountains in the summer and Skiing in Breckenridge in the winter.

 

Contact Us

Linda Walters, Director of the UCF Center for Success of Women Faculty
Linda.Walters@ucf.edu

Phone: 407-823-1113

Mailing Address
Center for Success of Women Faculty
University of Central Florida
P.O. Box 160955
Orlando, FL 32816-0955

Physical Address
4365 Andromeda Loop N
Millican Hall, Suite 351
Orlando, FL 32816-1997

Internal Mail (UCF)
Center for Success of Women Faculty
MH 351
32816-0065