Patricia Ruiz, DNP, APN
Patricia Ruiz, DNP, APN, serves as the Executive Director of Student Health and Counseling. Dr. Ruiz is a certified Advanced Practice Nurse with expertise in college health. An experienced student affairs administrator, clinician and educator, she brings more than 20 years of experience in diverse higher education settings.
Prior to her role at Penn, Dr. Ruiz served as the Director of the Student Health Center at Montclair State University, where she was responsible for planning and directing all areas of clinical care, regulatory compliance, fiscal responsibilities, and overseeing the public health of the students and campus. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fairfield University, her Master of Science from Columbia University, her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Rutgers University, and her Post-Master’s Teaching Certificate from Penn.
When she’s not working, Dr. Ruiz enjoys baking bread, birding, and finding amazing sustainable vintage items. A native New Yorker, she is eager to discover the city of Philadelphia, especially the museums and jazz music scene.