Ruth Darling, associate provost for student success, will retire on August 31 after 37 years of service to the university.
In addition to her administrative role, Darling is an adjunct assistant professor in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. She has held leadership positions in Student Affairs, Advising Services in the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Thornton Athletic Student Life Center. In her current role, she provides leadership for the development of the Student Success Center, First-Year Studies, the Office of National Scholarships and Fellowships, and, most recently, the creation and implementation of the new university-wide academic advising model—Advising: The UT Experience. Her service to the university and leadership extend to areas that include enrollment management, academic policy, and university retention initiatives.
As past president of the National Academic Advising Association, Darling was awarded the Distinguished Service to NACADA award. She is known nationally for her expertise in academic advising and student success through her service on the NACADA Journal Editorial Board, publications, and institutional consultations. Darling represented the Southeastern Conference on the NCAA Academic Cabinet and participated in the development of the academic progression and graduation standards for student-athletes. She was instrumental in creating the NCAA/NACADA national partnership, which focuses on student-athlete academic success and advisor professional development.
After retiring, Darling will continue to serve as a part-time consultant to the provost to aid with the ongoing implementation of the new university advising model.