Kudos to Michelle Ruble LSM '14 on Being Named to Esteemed NJCAA Position

LSM 2014 Graduate and College of Southern Maryland Lead Director of Student Life and Athletics Michelle Ruble was elected second vice president for women of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) beginning in August for two years.

Ruble is the eighth individual to hold this position since 1975 when the NJCAA became the nation’s first co-ed collegiate athletics association to form a women’s division.

“I am truly honored to be elected to this position. The NJCAA’s mission is ‘to foster a national program of athletic participation in an environment that supports equitable opportunities consistent with the educational objectives of member colleges.’ It will be a privilege to work with the executive committee, national office and board of directors to not only support their mission, but to also assist the organization to navigate through many upcoming changes in the landscape of athletics,” said Ruble.

Ruble was hired as CSM’s head volleyball coach in 1991. She became the college’s athletic director in 2001 and was named CSM’s director of Student Life and Athletics in 2007.

As a volleyball player at Elon University, N.C., Ruble was a three-year captain and an Academic All-American. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Elon and a master’s degree from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland.

“Participating in athletics, particularly in college, helped me develop critical skills that I use every day. Sports can provide opportunities to learn leadership, time management and communication skills as well as discipline, determination and exposure to working with many personality types,” said Ruble.

Ruble joined the NJCAA board of directors in 2002 when she was elected Region 20 women’s director. She currently serves as the co-chair for the Nominations and Elections committee and is vice chair for women’s lacrosse. Ruble was formerly the committee chair for women’s lacrosse, swimming and diving, and was a member of the executive committee. In 2011, Ruble was named to the executive committee of the National Alliance of Two-Year College Athletic Administrators (NATYCAA).