Dr. Teresa Leyba Ruiz
Dr. Teresa Leyba Ruiz has served students, faculty, staff, and the community as an educator in Arizona for 33 years. She recently retired as the President of Glendale Community College in the Maricopa County Community College District. Her commitment to making a difference in the lives of inner-city students from diverse cultures began as a 7th grade mathematics teacher with the Roosevelt Elementary School District. She taught mathematics for 23 years across all levels and served as an executive leader for ten years in higher education. As an executive leader, she has developed partnerships with industry, municipalities, K-12 and university partners, and local nonprofits to support students and the community. Dr. Leyba Ruiz supports the community through service on several Boards and recently served as the Chair of the Board for the Glendale Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Leyba Ruiz is a proud Latina and first-generation college student whose parents were adamant that she and her siblings attend college. She is a strong advocate for student success and believes in the power of education to uplift families. At the core of who she is, Dr. Leyba Ruiz is a teacher and believes that all students can achieve great things with the right support and hard work. She has used this core belief to guide her as an executive leader and believes that supporting and nurturing future leaders will lead to great success for everyone.
