10/09/2026
For Molly Ruiz, pursuing a doctorate at Lehigh University is both a major professional milestone and a return to her roots. Originally from the Lehigh Valley and currently residing in Central Pennsylvania, Ruiz is a part-time student in the Special Education Ph.D. program, balancing graduate studies with her professional life.
Ruiz' academic pursuits are informed by her career background in school counseling. Working on the frontlines of student support sparked her passion for inclusive education and shaped her current research focus: preparing school counselors to better support K-12 students with disabilities. By investigating how to equip counselors with the right tools and training, Ruiz aims to foster more inclusive, responsive school environments that serve the needs of every learner.
When she was selecting a doctoral program, Lehigh University’s College of Education (COE) stood out as the clear choice. Ruiz was drawn to the university by its prestigious academic reputation and the program's strong emphasis on developing high-level research skills. Read more at https://bit.ly/4z6O5V5