Ruth Archer

Biography

Ruth Archer is the Director of Continuous Improvement at Michigan Technological University and a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. She manages the continuous improvement activities for the university, where she is responsible for facilitating improvements that close the gap between current state and the university's strategic goals, fostering the continuous process of people development, and promoting collaborative partnerships and sharing Lean expertise in the state, the nation, and the global community. In addition, she teaches several courses on Lean principles, teamwork, and communication, and serves as the advisor for two student organizations--Leaders in Continuous Improvement and Silver Wings.

Archer holds a BS in Electrical Engineering, an MBA, and a PhD in Business Administration with a specialization in organizational psychology. She is the Lean Higher Education Americas Steering Committee Professional Development Officer and former Chair, and a former examiner for the Michigan Performance Excellence (MIPEx) award and the Baldrige National Quality Award. Archer also holds a Lean Systems certification through the University of Kentucky and a change management certification through PROSCI. 

Before working at Michigan Tech, Archer served in the United States Air Force, where she held multiple positions, including aircraft master technician and quality maintenance inspector, test equipment designer, aircraft electromagnetic signature collector, radar capability modeler, current and future radar engineer, executive officer, and AFROTC instructor.