On November 10, Ruth Reeves was presented the 2016 Distinguished Alumnus Award by Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC). The award bestowment took place during the annual Circle of Leadership Celebration held at Harrison Lake Country Club. The Distinguished Alumnus Award is annually presented to a nominated alumnus who demonstrates outstanding professional contributions; accomplishments; service to the community and the university.
In 2002, Reeves received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree from IUPUC and went on to earn a master and doctorate in Clinical Psychology from theUniversity of Indianapolis. She is a member of the American Psychological Association and has been an adjunct instructor at both IUPUC and Ivy Tech Community College.
Reeves has a long and impressive professional history. She served as the Lead Psychologist and Associate Regional Mental Health Director at Corizon and later with the New Castle Correctional Facility coordinated services in adult and juvenile facilities across Indiana. At Centerstone, Ruth was a supervisor, therapist, and case manager who worked with challenged adults dealing with conditions such as PTSD, personality disorders, and substance-abuse.
Additionally, Reeves was a Licensed Mental Health Counselor at the Youth Opportunity Center in Muncie. In her role, Reeves conducted intake assessments, developed treatment plans, and provided direct services for adolescent patients. Her passion for youth was further evident in her roles as a counselor with George Jr. Republic Group Home for adolescent males and served as a board member and mentor for adolescent girls at Youth Hope in Columbus.
Following the 2008 local flood, Reeves was a District Project Manager and Team Leader providing crisis counseling for flood survivors across a 10-county district. She consulted with the Long-Term Recovery Committee and authored a book, There Was a Flood, for children who either experienced or witnessed the flood disaster.
Ruth is a member of the Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology and was inducted into the Alpha Sigma Lambda Zeta Chi Honorary Society. Currently, she owns and operates a private practice, and works with home-based veterans through the Department of Veteran Affairs in Indianapolis.
Between now and May 1, 2017, IUPUC is accepting nominations for the 2017 Distinguished Alumnus Award. To nominate an IUPUC graduate for the award, contact Cindy Felsten at cfelsten@iupuc.edu or 812.375.7531.