David A. Ruth, Ph.D., became the fifth president of Northampton Community College on July 1, 2022, having served with distinction as the college's vice president and chief of staff since 2016. Inspired by NCC's unwavering commitment to student success and its leadership in the regional communities in which it serves, Dr. Ruth is charting a bold course for the future of NCC. It's a future that builds on the college's 56-plus-year legacy of delivering affordable access to real-world education, providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive personally and excel academically, while preparing them for meaningful careers.
As a graduate of Hagerstown Community College, Hagerstown, Md., Dr. Ruth understands first-hand the critical role community colleges play in providing access to life changing education for traditional students, working adults and first-generation college students as well as those from disadvantaged backgrounds. He also brings an unmatched passion to the "student-first" mission of NCC, having been involved in educating and teaching students for more than three decades, both as an adjunct professor and college administrator.
After receiving his associate degree, Dr. Ruth went on to earn a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Frostburg State University, Frostburg, Md., a master's degree in mathematics and education from Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa., and a Ph.D. in educational leadership and learning technologies from Drexel University, Philadelphia.
Dr. Ruth began his higher education career as a graduate assistant at Lehigh University working in Residence Life before moving to Drexel University where he flourished during a 23-year career. At Drexel, he held positions of increasing responsibility in Student Affairs, including Dean of Students and Chief Student Affairs Officer, a role he held for more than 15 years. In that position, he managed all co-curricular aspects of campus life for each of Drexel's three primary campuses.
As the vice president and chief of staff at Northampton Community College, he served as chief advisor to the college president while overseeing key administrative areas including Strategic Planning, Institutional Research, Government and Community Relations and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as well as Global Education and International Student Services. As co-chair of the college's Infectious Diseases and Mental Health Task Forces, Dr. Ruth helped successfully guide the college through the COVID pandemic, providing students, faculty and staff members with the health and safety support they needed to thrive during a challenging time.
Dr. Ruth is an active member of the regional community serving on the Board of Directors of the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce, Lehigh Valley Industrial Park, Lehigh Valley Partnership, Lehigh Valley Industrial Park and the Pocono Center for the Arts as well as the Board of Associates of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, the Board of Governors for Lehigh Valley Youth House, and the Community Advisory Board of Lehigh Valley PBS39. He also sits on the boards of the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges and Community Colleges for International Development.
