About Us
Kathleen Ruby
Kathleen L. Ruby, PhD, a licensed professional clinical counselor with more than 20 years experience in counseling and education, has been head of the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine Counseling and Wellness Department and on faculty for the past 13 years. She counsels veterinary students and faculty, teaches classes on life skills, and developed and conducts programs and workshops related to professionalism, communication skills, stress management, life balance, and leadership within the college. Dr. Ruby cofounded the Veterinary Leadership Experience, a program offered to students and faculty at all North American schools and now extending internationally to academic and industry settings.
Dr. Ruby developed and supervises WSU's Pet Loss Support Hotline, and trains students in client bereavement management. Developing an integrated method for teaching and reinforcing life/professional success/nontechnical skills of veterinary students is central to her work. A frequent speaker with a background and training in individual and organizational psychology, human development, and leadership, Dr. Ruby offers a unique mix of people-skills, psychological insights, and programmatic ideas. Her special research interests include the psychology of high-achieving individuals and development of emotional competence in medical professionals.
