David G. Ruffer
 |
 | This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (February 2025) |
David G. Ruffer | |
|---|---|
| 9th President of the University of Tampa | |
| In office August 1991 – December 1994 | |
| Preceded by | Bruce A. Samson |
| Succeeded by | Ronald L. Vaughn |
| Personal details | |
| Education |
|
| Alma mater | |
| Profession | Academic administrator, biologist, museum executive |
David G. Ruffer served as the 9th president of The University of Tampa from 1991 to 1994. Born on August 25, 1937, in Archbold, Ohio, he pursued an extensive academic career before his presidency at UT.[1]
Education
[edit]Ruffer earned a Bachelor of Science from Defiance College, a Master of Arts from Bowling Green State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Oklahoma.[1]
Academic career
[edit]Ruffer held multiple academic and administrative positions throughout his career:
- University of Oklahoma – Special Instructor
- Defiance College – Assistant Professor of Biology, Associate Professor of Biology, and Faculty Dean
- Elmira College – Provost
- Albright College – President
- University of Tampa – President (1991–1994)
During his presidency at the University of Tampa, Ruffer emphasized academic freedom and institutional inclusivity. One of his most notable actions was defending a student's right to enroll in an ROTC leadership course, reaffirming the university's non-discrimination policies.[1]
Research contributions
[edit]Ruffer has contributed to mammalogy research, with publications including:
- "Effect of Flooding on a Population of Mice" (1961). Journal of Mammalogy
- "Burrows and Burrowing Behavior of Onychomys leucogaster" (1965). Journal of Mammalogy
- "Observations on the Calls of the Grasshopper Mouse (Onychomys leucogaster)" (1966). Ohio State Knowledge Bank