Loretta Rudd stands in her office in Manning Hall. “I believe that it is through education and persistence that individuals can achieve,” said Rudd who holds multiple degrees including a doctorate in educational psychology. She shares her gift by giving back to the university along side her husband, President of the University of Memphis, David Rudd.
Being the first lady of the United States, a large institution or even a church, comes with unofficial responsibilities. For Loretta Rudd, first lady of the University of Memphis, she has much more to offer than standing in the background.
Since arriving to Memphis in 2013 alongside her husband, U of M President M. David Rudd, Loretta Rudd has been inspired by the students, faculty and staff and community members who are all committed to making the university great.
Both were interviewed at the same time; Loretta was offered the position as a clinical associate professor in child development and David at that time was offered the provost position.
Rudd serves on numerous boards in the community and on campus. Through her involvement with Women in Leadership and Philanthropy, she’s been able to share her gift.
“When I was approached to lead the WLP, I was immediately excited to connect my professional work with my passion to support women through opportunities to connect with other women who have ‘walked the path before,’†Rudd said.
The WLP’s mission is to connect women as leaders and philanthropists who will work together to make a positive difference on the campus and throughout the community. This program in particular gives women in the community the opportunity to engage with the the university, while supporting students in meaningful ways.
Rudd hosted more than 40 guests at a student networking reception, ranging from students, lawyers and business women around the city in her and the president’s home on Feb. 24. The students who attended were able to speak with women who are leaders in their respective areas.
“It was a great experience for Dr. Rudd to welcome us into her home with open arms. It just shows the humble and selfless person she is,†Stephanie Pierce, U of M student who attended the reception, said.
Rudd understood at an early age that she could be of assistance to others while also learning and instructing. Her kindergarten and second grade teachers inspired her to teach and now through her love for education she’s been able to spend her entire professional career working with young children and their families.
Through hard-work and dedication she is a clinical associate professor in child development at the University of Memphis. Rudd has earned her doctorate in educational psychology from Baylor University. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in communication disorders/deaf education from The University of Texas at Austin. She also received a masters of education in educational administration from Tarleton State University in Texas.
“Education is important to me and I hope I am a good ambassador of education as a means to enhance the lives of those who may not have been ‘dealt a winning hand.’ I believe that it is through education and persistence that individuals can achieve,†Rudd said.
Rudd hopes to impact women by pushing them to support other women and their families through giving their time, talent and treasure. She is keenly aware of the challenges many women and children face in Memphis.
Rudd holds truth to the quote behind every successful man, there is a strong, wise, and hardworking woman.
“It is important to me to work alongside my husband to help connect the university to the greater community of Memphis,†Rudd said.
