Ruth Archer, PhD
Contact
- raarcher@mtu.edu
- 906-487-3180
- 136W Wadsworth Hall
- Director of Continuous Improvement
- PhD, Business Administration with a specialization in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Northcentral University
- MBA, St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas
- BS, Electrical Engineering, Michigan Technological University
- Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Lean Systems Certification through the University of Kentucky, PROSCI Change Management Certification
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.
Specialties
- Continuous Improvement using Lean Principles
- Coaching and Developing Lean Leaders
- Facilitating Continuous Improvement Events
- Advisor for Leaders in Continuous Improvement (LCI) and Silver Wings student organizations
Professional Affiliations
- Lean Higher Ed (HE) Americas Steering Committee Professional Development Officer and former Chair
- Former Michigan Performance Excellence (MIPEx) Examiner and Baldrige National Quality Award Examiner, National Institute of Standards and Technology
Teaching Interests
- Lean Culture, Processes, Methods, and Tools
- Leadership Skills
- Effective Teams
- Positive Psychology