about
me
ruth pearce | indiana university
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about
Above: Hiking a trail (Oct. 2025)
Below: Having a pint at a local Oktoberfest (Sept. 2025)
Nice to Meet You!
Hi, my name is Ruth Pearce, a nontraditional student, lifelong learner, and self-proclaimed “family manager,” navigating higher ed and life’s curveballs with coffee in one hand and a color-coded calendar in the other. My husband, Jason, and I recently traded the sunny beaches of South Walton, Florida, for the scenic trails and state parks of Fishers, Indiana. While both of our adult children decided to stay by the gulfcoast over coming to 'cold country,' our orange tabby cat, Zeus, made the leap with us.
My journey back to school wasn’t a detour—it’s the fulfillment of a long-held promise. Between supporting my family, working full-time in the nonprofit sector, and caregiving for my father with Parkinson’s, I’ve learned that leadership is often quiet, personal, and persistent. It lives in calm under pressure, handwritten lists, late-night study sessions, and the choice to keep showing up, even when life is hard.
When I’m not working or studying, you’ll find me reading, painting in watercolor, having a pint at a local brewery, or discovering the newest local foody spots. I love nature—though I’m not outdoorsy, I’m outsidesy. Think Airbnb over tents. Give me a hammock, a hiking path, or a good book under a tree, and I’m in my element.
I bring heart and strategy to every space I enter—whether developing leadership curriculum, mentoring peers, or volunteering with third graders to spark civic engagement. I’m drawn to systems thinking, community building, and creating pathways for others to lead with confidence and care.
I carry my story with pride. It’s one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless curiosity. IU Indy gave me the tools to name what I’ve always done: listen deeply, solve creatively, and lead with purpose. The best part? I’m just getting started.
Spending the day at Noblesville City Hall - learning about community. (Oct. 2025)
Why I Chose this Degree
Why I Chose this Degree
I chose Community and Organizational Leadership because, at my core, I’m driven to help people grow. Few things fulfill me more than recognizing someone’s potential and helping them step into it—whether that’s through encouragement, strategy, or simply showing up with belief when they need it most.
This major felt like coming home. My professional background has always danced at the intersection of people, process, and purpose. I’ve spent years supporting leaders behind the scenes, learning how organizations function—and sometimes falter. Through that lens, I developed a deep appreciation for the kind of leadership that doesn’t just manage, but uplifts. Leadership that makes space for people to thrive.
Even in my off-hours, I’m the type to reach for leadership memoirs and management theory over fiction. Not because I have to—but because I’m fascinated by how intentional leadership can transform workplaces, families, and entire communities. It’s everywhere, and I want to be part of shaping it for the better.
This degree isn’t just a stepping stone—it’s a toolkit. With every course, I’m refining how I think, lead, and serve. My goal? To build spaces—professional, personal, and communal—where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow into who they’re meant to be.
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